Customized food selection, ordering and distribution system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and method for selecting, ordering and distributing customized food products is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is a computer-implemented method comprising viewing a list of additives for creating a customized food product, selecting one or more additives from the list of additives to create the customized food product, and transmitting a request to purchase the customized food product, which is then distributed to the consumer. By communicating with the manufacturer as to personal needs and desires pertaining to health, activity level, organoleptic preferences and so forth, the consumer can now develop and order a customized food product to suit his or her particular tastes, using a real-time interactive communication link.

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/181,282, filed on Feb. 9, 2000,hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application alsoclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of U.S. application Ser. No.09/699,622, filed on Oct. 29, 2000, hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

CROSS REFERENCES

[0002] This Application is also related to a U.S. patent applicationentitled, “Nutrient Clusters for Food Products and Methods ofPreparation,” Ser. No. 09/596,543, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This application is also related to a U.S. patent applicationentitled, “Food Distribution, Preparation and Consumption System,” Ser.No. 09/596,275 filed on Jun. 16, 2000, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

[0004] This application is also related to a U.S. patent applicationentitled, “Production of Oil Encapsulating Minerals and Vitamins in aGlassy Matrix,” Ser. No. 09/595,121 filed on Jun. 16, 2000, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0005] This application is also related to a U.S. patent applicationentitled, “Oligosaccharide Encapsulated Mineral and VitaminIngredients,” Ser. No. 09/595,244 filed on Jun. 16, 2000, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0006] The present invention relates to systems and methods of orderingand distributing food, and in particular to a customized food selection,ordering and distribution system and method.

BACKGROUND

[0007] Consumers are experiencing an ever-increasing choice in themanner in which to purchase consumer products. In addition to thetraditional telephone mail order shopping, Internet-based commerce,i.e., e-commerce, now offers the convenience of shopping from home.On-line websites selling consumer goods typically offer a range ofsizes, colors, models, and so forth, from which the consumer can select.However, in most instances, the provider is targeting the broadestpossible group of consumers. Such mass marketing typically limits theability of the consumer to purchase products that are particularlysuited for his or her needs.

[0008] Within the food industry, conventional mass marketing results inproducts having generic ingredients tied to a particular product orform, such as ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal and snack products. However, asconsumers grow increasingly aware of their own health concerns, and therole food can play in impacting these conditions, many are limiting oravoiding foods that contain excess fats, sugars, allergens and so forth,which can negatively impact their health. This often results in limitedloyalty to any particular brand of cereal or snack product, likelybecause no one brand is seen as doing a superior job of meeting aconsumer's needs over another. For example, even though there are over300 RTE cereal stock keeping units (SKU) in the American grocery trade,no one SKU has greater than approximately five (5)% consumer share.

[0009] In addition to health concerns, consumers are also developingincreasingly sophisticated tastes. The coffee industry, for example, hasexperienced tremendous growth recently as consumers have developed ataste for specialty coffees.

[0010] Meeting the diverse health and taste needs of individualconsumers is simply not possible with conventional mass marketing.Traditional retailing further prevents the food industry from meetingthese needs by limiting the number of SKU's carried by retailers, due,in many cases, to limited shelf space. Moreover, the current andwell-established paradigm of ready-to-eat cereal and snack manufacturingand distribution has had the effect of directing attention away fromconsidering alternative or different approaches in this area. What isneeded, therefore, is a system and method of providing food productsthat can meet the varied needs of each individual consumer.

SUMMARY

[0011] A computer-implemented method for selecting and ordering acustomized food product is described. The method comprises viewing alist of choices designed to allow a consumer to create a customized foodproduct; making a selection from the list, the list having choicesselected from the group consisting of customized food ingredientchoices, customized food product choices and customized food categorychoices, wherein the selection is determinative of the customized foodproduct ordered; and transmitting the selection wherein the customizedfood product is designed.

[0012] In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for selecting,ordering and distributing customized food products is disclosedcomprising viewing a list of additives for creating a customized foodproduct, selecting one or more additives from the list of additives tocreate the customized food product, and transmitting a request topurchase the customized food product, which is then distributed to theconsumer. In one embodiment, the customized food product contains acereal base or a half-product pellet. In one embodiment, any suitabletype of display device, such as a computer, is used to view, select andtransmit information. In another embodiment the list provided alsoidentifies features of various customized combinations.

[0013] In one embodiment, the consumer designs or creates his or her owncustomized food product, such as a cereal or snack product. In anotherembodiment, the consumer customizes known products as to quantity andtype of various additives. In yet another embodiment, the consumer isgiven any number of choices, such as a choice between designing a foodproduct by selecting from an ingredient list, selecting a food productcustom-designed for the consumer based on responses in a health andnutrition survey, selecting from among previously-created custom foodproducts, customizing known food products, and so forth. Such choicesmay or may not include options to further modify and customize.

[0014] In one embodiment, individual consumers log onto a website toparticipate in an on-line survey to evaluate their current health andlifestyle, as well as to determine their preferences in nutrition andtaste. Questions concerning taste can be used to determine cerealpreferences as to grains, flavors, sweetness, nutrition, serving size,packaging, forms, particulates, types (e.g., hot or RTE cold). Inresponse to the information provided by the consumer, the manufacturercan ask additional questions and/or provide particular choices. In thisway, the selection process is interactive and can also be iterative.

[0015] In one embodiment, the consumer designs his or her own foodproduct by selecting the exact amount and type of each ingredientdesired. In essence, a nearly infinite amount of customized foodproducts are now available to the consumer. In another embodiment, theconsumer may choose not to complete the survey, but can customize knownproducts with desired additives or ingredients, including vitamins,minerals, herbs, flavors, nutraceuticals, particulates such as fruitsand nuts, and so forth. In one embodiment, consumers are invited toselect from two to three food products that most closely match theirparticular needs. In another embodiment, four to one thousand or morechoices are presented.

[0016] The resulting product can be shipped through various channels oftrade in consumer-sized packages to an intermediary or directly to theend user. Packages can include a conventional consumer-sized box,individual pouches, covered bowls or even beverage-type containers. Theresulting product is precisely suited to meet the needs of a specificconsumer, particularly in the areas of health, taste and texture.

[0017] In one embodiment, a customized food product is designed byselecting from among ingredients, categories or previously-designed foodproducts wherein a consumer communicates taste preferences to amerchant, wherein the merchant produces a unique product for theconsumer.

[0018] In an alternate embodiment, puffable half-product pellets,together with any other selected additives, are shipped to the consumeras the customized food product. Puffable half-products can be expandedor puffed to produce a variety of foods, including, but not limited to,cereals, cereal-based snacks and beverages, through exposure to asuitable energy source. The package can also include savory toppings,and instructions on how to prepare the half-products, apply thetoppings, and so forth.

[0019] By communicating with a manufacturer as to personal needs anddesires pertaining to health, activity level, organoleptic preferencesand so forth, consumers can now, for the first time, develop and order acustomized food product to suit their particular tastes using real-timeinteractive communication.

[0020] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of acustomized food selection, ordering and distribution system.

[0022]FIG. 2A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a customized foodselection, ordering and distribution system.

[0023]FIG. 2B is a block diagram of one embodiment of a client system.

[0024]FIG. 2C is a block diagram of one embodiment of a server system.

[0025] FIGS. 3A-C is a flow diagram showing one embodiment of a routinefor a customized food selection, ordering and distribution system.

[0026]FIG. 3D is a high-level flowchart of one embodiment of acomputerized method of recommending a customized food product.

[0027]FIG. 3E is a high-level flowchart of one embodiment of acomputerized method of recommending a customized food product.

[0028]FIG. 3F is a flow diagram showing a routine for one embodiment ofan interactive selecting and ordering of a customized food product.

[0029]FIG. 3G is a flow diagram showing a routine for one embodiment ofcreating a customized food product.

[0030]FIG. 3H is a flow diagram showing a routine for one embodiment ofan interactive purchasing of a customized food product.

[0031]FIG. 3I is a flow diagram showing a routine for one embodiment ofa computerized method of selecting and ordering a customized foodproduct.

[0032]FIG. 3J is a block diagram of a system for implementing anapplication phase of a customized food selection, ordering anddistribution system.

[0033]FIG. 3K is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a method ofcreating a customized food product with a computer system having agraphical user interface that includes a display and a user interfaceselection device.

[0034]FIG. 3L is a flow diagram showing a routine for one embodiment ofa method for producing a nutrition and ingredient label.

[0035]FIG. 4A is an overview map of a sample Web site for one embodimentof a customized food selection and ordering system.

[0036]FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing one embodiment of globalnavigation on a sample Web site.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a“home/log-in” page.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “my home”page.

[0039]FIG. 7 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “create anew food product” page having a recommendation path A, a one blend onlypath B and a specialized blends path C.

[0040]FIG. 8 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “who isthis for?” page that is viewed on Paths A, B or C.

[0041]FIG. 9 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of an “aboutme” page that is viewed on Paths A or B.

[0042] FIGS. 10A-10C are sample Web pages showing one embodiment of a“my taste preferences₁” page viewed on Path A.

[0043] FIGS. 11A-11B are sample Web pages showing one embodiment of a“my health” page viewed on Path A.

[0044] FIGS. 12A-12B are sample Web pages showing one embodiment of a“fully customized recommendations” page viewed on Path A.

[0045] FIGS. 13A-13B are sample Web pages showing one embodiment an“ingredients/nutrition” page viewed on Paths A, B, or C.

[0046]FIG. 14 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “compare”page viewed on Paths A or C.

[0047]FIG. 15 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “modify”page viewed on Paths A, B or C.

[0048]FIG. 16 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “save andname food product” page viewed on Paths A, B or C.

[0049]FIG. 17 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “mybasket” page viewed on Paths A, B or C.

[0050] FIGS. 18A-18C are sample Web pages showing one embodiment of a“my taste preferences₂” page viewed on Path B.

[0051]FIG. 19 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a “oneblend recommendation” page viewed on Path B.

[0052]FIG. 20 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of an“alternate modify” page viewed on Path B.

[0053]FIG. 21 is a sample Web page showing one embodiment of a“specialized blends” page viewed on Path C.

[0054] FIGS. 22A-22D are sample Web pages showing embodiments of“specialized blends recommendations” pages viewed on Path C.

[0055] FIGS. 23A-23C are diagrams showing embodiments of single-serveconsumer packaging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0056] In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized. It is also to beunderstood that structural, procedural and system changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

[0057] A system and method for selecting, ordering and distributingcustomized food products is disclosed. Various terms used throughout thespecification are defined in a first section. A second section providesan overview of one embodiment of a customized ordering and distributionsystem. A third section provides a system-level overview of theinvention. A fourth section provides methods of using exampleembodiments of the invention. A fifth section provides a high leveloverview of a particular implementation of a user interface. A sixthsection provides details of the particular implementation through aseries of Web pages. Finally, a conclusion to the detailed descriptionis provided.

[0058] Definitions

[0059] As used herein, the term “additive” is intended to encompass anytype of food ingredient added to the food product at any time duringmanufacturing. A “topping” is one type of additive which typically stayson “top” or exterior surface of the cereal base (or a half-productpellet), although a “topping” can also be applied as a “coating” suchthat it adheres to some or all of the cereal base (or half-productpellet), with or without the assistance of a carrier substance. Liquidsin any form are also considered to be additives. Embodiments thatdiscuss the use of “toppings” can also include the use of any type of“additive.” Additives can also be considered to include “color agents”as defined below. Additives also include non-nutritive(non-carbohydrate) high-potency sweeteners (such as aspartame,acesulfame K, and saccharin) as well as carbohydrate-based sweeteners,and any other “carbohydrate” as defined below. Additives further includeacids (such as fruit-flavor enhancing edible organic acids, such ascitric, malic and/or succinic acid), bases, salts, buffering systems,chelating agents, antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, gases/propellants,and so forth. Additives further include nutrient and health additivessuch as vitamins, minerals, encapsulated biologically active components,nutraceuticals (defined below), dietary supplements, anti-oxidants,fibers, fructo-oligo saccharides such as inulin, calcium materials suchas calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate salts, probiotic bacteriasprinkles (e.g., lactobacillus or acidophilus), energy additives,protein powders, powdered milk fractions, protein or satiety additives,herbs, aromatic substances, and other similar health-enhancingadditives. Additives can also include “particulates” as defined herein.

[0060] The term “ingredient” as used herein, is the smallest,non-divisible part of a cereal or other food product. For example, acorn flake or a nut cluster is an ingredient. Bases, particulates andclusters are all ingredients.

[0061] The term “particulates” is generally used to refer to non-grainitems. The term “particulates” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to, added particles such as dried whole fruits (e.g., raisins,dates, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, apricots, strawberries,cranberries, tropical [e.g., pineapple, papaya and mango], etc.), fruitparts (e.g., banana chips, apple chunks, etc.), dried fruit products(whether or not infused with sugar, glycerol, etc.), marshmallows,marshmallow bits (dried or moist), malted milk balls, chocolate andpeanut butter chunks, chocolate (e.g., milk chocolate, dark chocolate,white chocolate, etc.), chocolate products (e.g., chocolate-coatedraisins, chocolate-coated peanuts, etc.), nuts (e.g., walnuts, raisinnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, hazel nuts, macadamia nuts, etc.),shredded coconut, yogurt chips (e.g., vanilla, blueberry, strawberry),clusters of particulates (e.g., honey nut clusters), and so forth.

[0062] The term “cluster” as used herein generally refers to smallgrain/cereal pieces aggregated together with a sugar-based matrixtypically about fifty to sixty-five percent (50-65%) grains and thirtyto fifty percent (30-50%) sugar-based matrix. Occasionally other itemslike diced nuts, etc. are incorporated into the cluster aggregate.Nutritionally fortified clusters that are particularly suited for useherein are described in more detail in a US patent application entitled“Nutrient Clusters for Food Products and Methods of Preparation” Ser.No. 09/596,543 filed on Jun. 19, 2000, which is herein incorporated byreference. Clusters are generally grouped into two categories: 1)nutritional clusters, as defined by the desired macro and/ormicronutrients (such as soy protein, oat bran and calcium); and 2) tasteclusters. The taste clusters are not limited to any type of cerealingredient (aggregate) used to deliver vitamin and nutrientfortification.

[0063] Examples of nutritional clusters include, but are not limited to,the following: soy protein clusters, enriched soy protein clusters,enriched soy protein clusters with iron, oat bran clusters, enriched oatbran clusters, enriched oat bran clusters with iron, calcium clusters,enriched calcium clusters, enriched calcium clusters with iron, andenriched almond-coated raisins (particulate—i.e., non-grain,non-aggregate), and so forth. However, nutritional clusters are notlimited to the purpose of delivering vitamins, minerals and othernutrients such as fiber, protein, phytonutrients, or nutritionallyselected triglycerides or factions thereof, e.g., having particularfatty acids profiles.

[0064] Clusters may also be used to provide taste variety in a foodproduct. Examples of such taste clusters include, but are not limitedto, banana nut clusters, blueberry-flavored clusters, chocolate-flavoredalmond clusters, maple nut clusters, honey nut clusters, oat branclusters, milk chocolate-flavored clusters and the like (these types ofingredients are widely used in the industry as a type of particulateadded to other cereal ingredients to provide color, flavor, etc.).

[0065] The terms “cereal base” or “base” include a variety of “forms,”even if only a few specific forms, such as a RTE cereal or snack, arelisted with respect to a particular embodiment. Specifically, the term“cereal base” or “base” is considered to include products that contain afood product in either a whole, partially ground or finely ground form.A cereal base can also be a “sheet”-type product made from a“sheet”-shaped half-product, i.e., having opposed major faces, includingany type of three-dimensionally shaped puffed-food product, and caninclude pastries, waffles, pancakes, and so forth. In an exampleembodiment in which the food product is a cereal, the base is aningredient that makes up a significant portion of the overall volume ofthe cereal. The cereal base can also be any type of “pressed” productsuch as a granola bar. In the case of other products such as a beverage,the base may be the sweetened, carbonated water to which variousflavors, colors, health additives and particulates may be added. In thecase of yogurt, the base may be the basic fermented milk product towhich various sweeteners, flavors and particulates may be added.

[0066] Examples of cereal bases or bases include, flakes, biscuits,sheds, or puffed pieces, but are not limited to, apple-cinnamon oatrings, multi-grain flakes, lightly-sweetened corn flakes, multi-grainflakes, oat rings, cinnamon corn stars, cinnamon graham squares, cocoacorn puffs, corn squares, corn flakes, wheat biscuits, cocoa cornflakes, multi-grain flakes, sweetened wheat biscuits, multi grainmuesli, toasted cinnamon multi-grain squares, high-fiber bran shreds,maple-flavored corn puffs, frosted oat rings, frosted corn flakes,fruit-flavored corn rings, honey graham squares, multi-grain granola,honey nut oat rings, honey nut multi-grain squares, corn puffs,sweetened oat puffs, multi-bran squares, multi-grain rings, oatmealflakes, peanut butter and cocoa corn puffs, rice squares, bran flakes,oat and soy rings, sweetened soy flakes, soy flakes, sweetened oat & soyrings, whole-grain wheat flakes, corn flakes, bran flakes, natural andartificial fruit-flavored corn puffs, whole-grain wheat flakes, wheatsquares, natural and artificial fruit-flavored corn rings, sweetenedcorn puffs, cocoa rice puffs, rice or wheat or corn puffs, natural andartificial fruit-flavored rice puffs, frosted corn flakes, sweetenedwheat puffs, corn flakes, wheat nuggets, frosted wheat flakes, and thelike.

[0067] As used herein, the term “half-product pellets” means grain-basedproducts that are generally fabricated from farinaceous cooked orpartially-cooked cereal doughs. These half-product pellets may take theform, for example, of cereal pellets or snack pellets, such as pastapellets. Cereal pellets are generally smaller in size as compared withsnack pellets. The term “pellet,” when used without qualification,refers to a puffable piece of a gelatinized dough product (i.e., ahalf-product) which is at least partially gelatinized, and which isroughly rounded in shape. The term “pellet” is intended to broadlyencompass “flavor-integrated” pellets, which are pellets havingflavorings and seasonings added into the dough, “flavor-coated” pellets,which are pellets having flavorings and seasonings added as a coating,or “regular” pellets, which are pellets having no additional flavoringsadded. Flavor-integrated pellets and flavor-coated pellets are bothconsidered to be “pre-flavored.”

[0068] The term “customized food product” as used herein means a foodproduct that contains any type of customized food ingredients, such as acereal base (or even a half-product pellet that still requires puffing)together with selected additives designed to meet the needs of aparticular consumer. This includes a customized food product which canbe served hot, warm, frozen, chilled or at room temperature. Acustomized food product can also be used as a topping, as an additionalingredient which is either admixed or blended into any other food,including but not limited to, a liquid or semi-liquid, which can befrozen, chilled, warm, hot or at room temperature, i.e., at any desiredtemperature. A customized food product includes any type of snack, e.g.,snack bar, snack chip, pretzel, snack mix, power bars, granola mixes,popcorn snacks, etc. A customized food product can also be any type ofportable food (e.g., snack bar), as well as a dessert or meal, includingany type of baked goods, fried foods, grilled food and cooked food. Inaddition to cereals and snacks, examples of customized food productsinclude any type of cereal-based or non-cereal based hot or coldbeverages, including but not limited to energy beverages, nutraceuticalbeverages, teas or tea beverages (e.g., chai), blended beverages (e.g.,coffee drinks, alcoholic drinks, etc.), juices and juice blends (i.e.,juice/dairy, juice/soda, chilled fruit smoothies), grain-based beverages(i.e., soy milks, oat milks, nut milks, e.g., almond milk, etc.),further including grain/dairy, grain/juice, grain/dairy juice blends),dairy based (i.e., yogurt beverages, flavored milks, etc.), fermentedbeverages (i.e., dairy based, grain-based, e.g., beer, etc., with orwithout various pre- and pro-biotic components), fermented solids (e.g.,breads, cheeses, with or without various pre- and pro-bioticcomponents), yogurts, fruit-blended foods, fruit/nut blends, gelatins,ice creams, sherbets, flavored frozen bars, frozen novelty treats, hotcereals containing finely ground puffed pieces and cereal-based snacksof varying sizes, and so forth.

[0069] Customized food products also include any type of mixes, e.g.,dessert mixes, bread mixes, and so forth, as well as pasta blends, mealmixes, dinner mixes (e.g., pasta with seasonings for meats and furtherincluding meats, such as freeze-dried meats), side dish mixes, and soforth. Customized food products also include any type of fruits orvegetables as well as fruit or vegetable blends, fruit orvegetable/sauce blends, salad blends, e.g., custom blends of greens andvegetables with custom selected dressings and condiments. Customizedfood products can also include meats, poultry, beans, pasta, sauces,i.e., virtually any type of food product to which customized foodingredients can be added or which can be created from customized blendsof ingredients. This further includes customized food products in whichany type of additive has been applied as a coating, topping, glazing, anadditional ingredient, and so forth. A customized food product can alsorefer to any type of customized animal food, such as for pets,livestock, and so forth.

[0070] The term “nutraceutical” as used herein refers to ediblematerials having, or believed to have, medicinal or even therapeuticeffects. Nutraceuticals include the tocopherols, B vitamins, ginseng andother herbs, wheat grass and barley grass and extracts of the grasses,soy-based estrogen analogs or soy isoflavones, chromium pico lineate,red rice yeast, minerals, St. John's wort, chitosann, and so on.

[0071] The term “flavor,” “flavor agent” or “flavoring” as used hereinrefers to an organoleptic agent in the form of an emulsion, concentrate,aqueous- or oil-soluble liquid or a dry powder, as well as any type ofchunky piece or pieces that may be added to a mixture at any time in theprocess or mixtures thereof, such as a liquid and powder slurry.Flavorings can also be considered additives and can include nuts, nutpieces, fresh fruits, dried fruits, fruit products, candies,marshmallows, dried marshmallow pieces known as “marbits,” chocolatesand chocolate products, and so forth. Flavorings further include anyfruit flavors such as berry flavors, apple, cherry, plum, raisin,banana, pear, peach, figs, dates and so on. Flavorings may also includefats, salts, honeys, cheeses, frosting, powdered food products, sugar,sugar substitutes, gelatins and spices. Flavorings may also includecolorings as well as any nut flavors as well as any sweet flavors suchas chocolate, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, lemon, malt, cinnamon,graham, coconut flavors, mint and so on. Flavorings additionally includeany savory flavors such as all meat, game, fowl, fish, dairy, barbecue,smoke, pepper, spicy and vegetable flavors.

[0072] The term “sugar” as used herein refers to substantially allsugars and sugar substitutes, including any monosaccharide such asglucose or fructose, disaccharides such as lactose, sucrose or maltose,polysaccharides such as starch, oligosaccharide, sugar alcohols, orother carbohydrate forms such as gums that are starch based, vegetablebased or seaweed based (beta glucan, psyllium).

[0073] The term “sweetener” as used herein refers to essentially allsweeteners that are “carbohydrate”-based, as defined above under“carbohydrate” and further includes sweeteners that are “non-nutritive”as defined above under “additive.”

[0074] The term “fat” as used herein is synonymous with the term “lipid”and refers to substantially all fats and fat mimics (e.g., sucrosepolyesters), including any animal (e.g., dairy, marine, etc.)orvegetable fat in solid or liquid form.

[0075] The term “color” or “coloring agent” as used herein refers tonatural or uncertified colors from natural sources or certified colorsfor the effect of color. In one embodiment, the colors include dyes,certified aluminum lakes or colors derived from a natural source.Coloring agents may also be water-based or oil-based or dry. Coloringagents may be primary colors, blends of colors or discrete mixtures ofcolors, such as confetti.

[0076] The term “carbohydrate” refers to any organic compound (and itsderivatives and analogs) containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as wellas a saccharose group, as is known in the art. As such, carbohydratesinclude mono-, di-, oligo-, and polysaccharides and their derivatives(such as sugar alcohols and sugar esters). Carbohydrates may impartsweetness (as in the case of sugar) or non-sweetness (as in the case ofstarch). Examples of sweet and non-sweet carbohydrates include fructose,sucrose, lactose, maltose, galactose, xylose, dextrose, maltose,trehalose, raffinose, stachyose, corn syrups, honey, molasses, maltsyrups, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, starches, pectins, gums,carageenan, and inulin.

[0077] The term “puffed” is used herein to collectively refer to avariety of finished forms, including, but not limited to, puffs, flakes,shreds, finely ground particles and so forth. “Puffed” pieces generallyrefer to cereal pieces having a specific density typically ranging fromabout 0.15 to 0.3 g/cc. Quantities of pieces of such puffed pieces willhave even lower bulk densities (e.g., ten (10) oz. per 200 cu in.). Suchpuffed pieces are distinguished from “unpuffed” or “half-procluct”pieces having little or no degree of expansion and generallycharacterized by specific densities of about 0.3 to 0.8 g/cc. Pieces canbe two dimensional of either regular shape (round, oval, square,rectangular) or irregular shape (flake, having a periphery forming anoutline of a figurine). Such pieces can have opposed major sides and athickness of less than about (4) mm, which may be flat, curved orcurvilinear, or three-dimensional (3D) (i.e., having an aspect ratio ofany two dimensions ranging from 1:1 to 10:1). 3D shapes can be simple(e.g., a disk or a sphere) or complex such as an airplane or figurine,or spiral.

[0078] As used herein, the term “puffed” or “expanding” refers to adrying process in which the half-product is dried rapidly enough tocause the half-product to expand or puff. Puffing occurs when boundmoisture in a liquid state is converted to a vapor phase and “suddenly”released during exposure to a suitable energy source, such as thermal ormicrowave energy. If the half-product is dried too slowly, it remainshard, rather than softening and puffing. This is in contrast to“popping” or “exploding” which occurs when popcorn is popped. This isalso in contrast to “cooking,” which is defined herein as the first heator mechanical treatment that a mixture receives which essentially formsit into a dough. It is this dough, i.e., a processed grain-basedunexpanded food product, which is then fabricated into the varioushalf-products described above. (Some of these fabrication processes,such as the forming and flaking mill, as well as other processes furtherdownstream, such as gun puffing, and so forth, can cause the starch inthe dough to become gelatinized. As a result, many in the industry referto the pre-formed dough as only “partially” cooked). It should be notedthat the process of “puffing” as described herein, does not cause thestarch to become gelatinized. “Puffing” is further distinguished from“reheating” of a finished puffed RTE cereal or snack piece that has alower moisture content and density, such as about one (1) to about five(5)% moisture and about 0.02 to about 0.7 g/cc, respectively. Suchreheating of a finished product would likely be unsuccessful in that itmay burn, scorch and/or char the pieces, not generate the fresh flavor,toughen the texture rather than soften the piece, and so forth.“Puffing” is also distinguishable from the gradual expansion of a foodproduct due to an uptake of liquid in the absence of applied energy,which is not a “cooking” process, per se. This includes, but is notlimited to, the “soaking” up of a liquid, such as milk, by aconventional cereal product, and so forth. It is important to note,however, that the food products of the present invention can be puffedin the presence of a liquid, such as oil, if desired.

[0079] As used herein, the term “nutritional profile” refers to thefoods/nutrients that an individual has consumer, i.e., an evaluation oranalysis of a consumer's nutritional intake. This can be in the form ofa dietary journal, for example, in which a person notes what foods theyhave eaten, how much of that food they have eaten, when it has beeneaten, and so forth.

[0080] As used herein, the term “health profile” refers to the overallhealth state or condition of an individual, including physical activity,disease state, environmental stress, genetic predisposition to disease,and so forth.

[0081] As used herein, the term “interactive” refers to communicationbetween two or more entities. Interaction can occur between a human anda machine, between humans, between machines, and so forth. Interactivecomputer programs require input from humans in the form of data input orcommands, as compared to compilers or batch programs, which do notrequire input. Similarly, interactive food purchasing refers to apurchase in which a purchaser has provided some input to the merchant,which has the effect of customizing the food product or creating a “new”or novel customized food product. This input can be as limited asselecting a particular ingredient to add to a conventional food productor as involved as completing a survey for the merchant, with themerchant, in response to the survey, providing comments and/or foodproduct suggestions customized for that purchaser through one or moreiterative cycles of interaction, whether practiced contemporaneously orover time through one or more purchase cycles. This is in contrast topurchasing a food product “as is” which has been mass marketed for abroad range of consumers. This is also in contrast to a computerprogram, such as a Web-based computer program having a user interface,that directs a consumer to one or more ‘off-the-shelf’ products that arepre-existing, i.e., a portfolio of products.

[0082] The term “real-time” or “real-time interaction” means that aresponse to an input is “current” as opposed to “delayed.” A response in“real-time” typically occurs prior to additional input being sent,similar to a conversation in which each party takes turns speaking.“Real-time” can also refer to a system that provides a response to anexternal event within a given time period, i.e., such as satisfying acustomer need. As used herein, “real-time” information-processinginteraction refers to a reasonable amount of time given user set-up andbandwidth, i.e., a response occurring as soon as possible for a givenworkload. In terms of “delivery time,” a delivery that occurs in“real-time” refers to delivery of a customized food product to theconsumer within one week or within six or five days or less from thetime a consumer places an order for the customized food product.

[0083] Customized Ordering and Distribution System

[0084]FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a customizedselecting, ordering and distribution system 100 for a particular type offood product, i.e., cereal. However, the system 100 described herein canbe used for virtually any type of food product. In this embodiment, thesystem is comprised of a consumer location 102, interactivecommunications link 104, custom finishing facility 108, cereal baseproduction facility 110, finishing-components suppliers 112 and,optionally, a shipping facility 114.

[0085] The consumer location 102 can be a consumer's home or place ofbusiness or the home or place of business of an acquaintance, friend,relative or co-worker, any type of facility that prepares, serves and/orsells food to customers, including, but not limited to, a gourmet foodstore, grocery store, restaurant, bakery, bagel shop, cafeteria, bar,mass outlet, such as a fast-food restaurant, entertainment facility(e.g., movie theater, amphitheatre, live theatre, concert hall, bowlingalley, sports facility, etc.), multi-purpose facility such as anairport, hospital-type facility, railroad station, bus station, cruiseship, coin laundry facility, mall, department store, further includinganywhere people gather, such as in a downtown area, campus, park, beach,bank, gas station, a kiosk designed solely for access to the customizedselecting, ordering and distribution system 100 or in conjunction withaccess to other services and/or products, and so forth. In oneembodiment, the consumer location 102 is anywhere the consumer hasaccess to a communication device, which can be handheld or otherwise,such as devices designed for a motorized vehicle such as an automobile,truck, boat, motorcycle, and the like. Through use of satellitetechnology, the consumer location 102 can essentially be anywhere,including any remote region, such as a camping area, mountainous area,on any body of water, any third world country, space vehicle, and soforth.

[0086] A consumer 115 in the consumer location 102 can use any number ofmeans to communicate a customized order to a merchant. Communicationsmay or may not be in “real-time.” In one embodiment, the consumer 115uses a computer 116 or any type of terminal to directly contact amerchant server 106. In this embodiment, the consumer 115 cancommunicate with the merchant via electronic mail (e-mail) or viaaccessing the merchant's website with an information-processinginteractive communications link 104 a which may be voice, data (whetheror not graphic) or both, whether through wired or wirelesscommunication. Communication using a website allows for the use of“real-time” interactive communication, providing for even greater andmore convenient order customization, and is described in more detailbelow. Alternatively, the consumer 115 can use any type of mail service(e.g., United States mail service) 118, a conventional telephone 120,facsimile 122 or a private delivery service 124 as a means of userinterface, as described in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/596,275,supra. The mail service 118 can include use of a conventional catalog,brochure, order sheet, or any other type of printed information. Theconventional telephone 120 can be a push-button phone system allowingentry of information and/or the merchant can provide a voice-activatedphone system allowing the consumer to provide information by speakinginto their conventional telephone. In one embodiment, the consumerreceives information on a passive one-way device, such as a televisionor radio, and responds via any means described herein.

[0087] The private delivery service 124 can deliver customized foodproducts in a particular neighborhood at regular intervals, similar tocurrently available frozen food home delivery services. Informationprovided to the merchant through any of these alternate means ofcommunication can optionally be entered into the merchant server 106 toaid in customizing future orders for a particular consumer.

[0088] The customized order is prepared in the custom finishing facility108. Depending on the nature of the customized food product, the customfinishing facility 108 can be designed to handle a variety of differentfoods and food combinations, such as beverages, snacks, meal mixes,cereals, seasonings, blends, and so forth.

[0089] In most embodiments, the custom finishing facility 108 receivesthe necessary base ingredients from a food base production facility,such as a food component production facility. A food “base” generallycomprises one or more ingredients or building blocks common to aparticular final food form or customized food product as defined herein,e.g., soups, snacks, beverages, etc. In most embodiments, the finalproduct is a multi-component food that can be manipulated by selectingvarious components and varying their respective usage rates. In theexample shown in FIG. 1, the food base is a cereal base, as definedherein, that is used to produce ready-to-eat cereals.

[0090] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the food component productionfacility is the cereal base production facility 110, which providescereal bases 129 to the custom finishing facility 108. Such cereal bases129 can be identical to products currently being produced by cerealmanufacturers, i.e., oat, wheat, rice, barley and/or corn cereal rings,wheat corn or bran flakes, corn, rice, wheat or bran weaves, rice orwheat squares, and so forth. Additionally, cereal bases 129 can bedeveloped or purchased from outside vendors. Again, in an alternativeembodiment, the facility can be a half-product pellet productionfacility producing half-products with the same type of choices andalternatives being available as with the cereal bases 129.

[0091] The cereal base 129 is toted and stored in any suitable manner inorder to preserve an acceptable level of freshness and minimizebreakage. In one embodiment, tote size is reduced or increased fromconventional size. In another embodiment, cereal bases 129 can be keptfrozen until needed. In yet another embodiment, other measures toincrease shelf life are used, such as keeping the cereal base 129 in acontrolled atmosphere, finish drying cereal bases having high moisturecontent, and so forth. If a half-product pellet is used, the shelf-lifeis extended.

[0092] Finishing components, such as particulates, flavors andsweeteners, nutrients, and so forth, are supplied by finishingcomponents suppliers 112 and also need to be transported and handled inan appropriate manner. For example, since some additives, such asvarious nutrients and particulates, degrade over time, and/or whenexposed to excess heat or light, precautions need to be taken tominimize such degradation.

[0093] The custom finishing facility 108 can have a modified packagingline and involve sequential addition of desired components intoindividual servings until the product is complete, at which point theserving is packaged and shipped as shown in FIG. 1. Considerationsunique to this manufacturing and packaging process include, but are notlimited to, formula/product identification, sweetener application,sweetened base deposition, nutrient application, flavor application,allergen isolation, particulate addition and packaging.

[0094] In one embodiment, each customer formula or order is given aunique code 128 such as a bar code, which provides details as to thetype and amount of each ingredient in that particular order. This code128 accompanies each order and all packaging. In this way, the code 128can be read, either automatically or by individuals working at thefacility, at each stage in the process to ensure appropriate action.

[0095] If desired, an unfinished cereal base 129 can be sweetened withone or more sweeteners 130 to a desired sweetness level. In oneembodiment, a finite number of sweetness levels are used which can becategorized as low, medium or high. Additionally, the type of sweetener130 can be varied to include honey or a non-nutritive sweetener such asaspartame or sucralose.

[0096] The cereal base 129, which may or may not be sweetened, can thenbe deposited, volumetrically (or by weight or piece count), into anindividual serving package 132, such as a bowl. In an alternativeembodiment, the cereal base 129 is deposited into an intermediatereceptacle to allow ingredients to be added and blended prior to finalpackaging.

[0097] Individual nutrients and nutrient blends 134 can then be added,as appropriate for each individual order. In one embodiment, gravimetricfeeders are used to vary nutrient levels. Various coating technologiescan be used to apply the nutrients as a coating or topping on the cerealbase 129. In one embodiment, powder-coating technologies are used inwhich heat is applied to the coating in an amount sufficient to cause aphase change. In one embodiment, the coating becomes an amorphous“glass-like” material, which is then combined with a cereal base 129that has itself been heated. Novel nutrient delivery technologies canalso be used to combine any of the chosen additives with the cereal base129. In one embodiment, nutrients and nutrient blends 134 areencapsulated for delivery in measured quantities or in stressified unitsinto the cereal base 129. In a particular embodiment, nutrients 134 aremicroencapsulated in particles of less than about 100 micrometers indiameter and attached to the cereal base 129 using electrostaticattraction, i.e., binding of fine particulates. In one embodiment, themethods and products of U.S. patent application entitled,“Oligosaccharide Encapsulated Mineral and Vitamin Ingredients,” Ser. No.09/595/244, filed on Jun. 16, 2000 and/or U.S. patent applicationentitled, “Oil Encapsulating Minerals and Vitamins in a Glassy Matrix,”Ser. No. 09/595/121, filed on Jun. 16, 2000, are used. In anotherembodiment, nutrients 134 are applied in a conventional manner using a“spray-on” technique followed by a drying step.

[0098] Concentrated solutions of volatile flavorants 136, i.e., fruit,vanilla, can be sprayed directly onto the cereal to provide any desiredsupplemental flavoring. In one embodiment, moisture levels andapplication rates are kept sufficiently low so as not to require anyfinish drying.

[0099] Generally, particulates 138 can be added by gravimetric feedersdirectly into the cereal blend contained in the individual servingpackage 128. In one embodiment, packages requiring the addition ofpotential allergens, such as nuts, are segregated at this point into aseparate line.

[0100] The customized food product 139 is then prepared for shipping. Inthe case of a product that has been assembled directly in its finishedpackage, such as a bowl, sachet, etc., the package is capped, rotatedand turned to facilitate mixing. The package is then weighed and labeledwith relevant nutrition, ingredient and serving information. In oneembodiment, the information contained on the code 128 in the incomingorder is used to generate an ingredient, nutrition and serving label. Inthis way, appropriate nutritional and ingredient labeling can becompleted on each serving, if desired, or on a collection or package ofsingle servings being prepared for an individual customer. Such acollection can comprise any number of single servings, such as one (1),seven (7), 14, and so forth. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, severalsingle serving packages 128 are combined into a multi-serving package140.

[0101] For products that have been assembled in a secondary orintermediate container, the contents can now be deposited into a primarycontainer in a manner to allow for mixing. The primary container canthen be packaged as described above. Each order is then assembled intocontainers for shipment. In one embodiment, packaging (as well asshipping) is completed so as to minimize breakage of the customized foodproduct and/or to reduce odor pick-up. In the case of individual bowlservings, a tubular sleeve may be used. In the case of sachets, a moretraditional case may be employed.

[0102] Once properly prepared, packaged and labeled, the customizedorder can be shipped directly to the consumer location 102 or othershipping destination. Alternatively, the order can be sent to a shippingfacility 114 for subsequent delivery with a suitable delivery means 142,such as a truck as shown in FIG. 1, or airplane, boat, or any otherdelivery means required for a particular location, to the consumerlocation 102. In an alternative embodiment, the order is sent to a“redemption” center owned or operated by the supplier or an affiliate.The redemption center can prepare the customized product forlong-distance shipping and/or otherwise complete the packaging process.In another alternative embodiment, the customized order is sent to athird-party distribution point, such as a department store, kiosk,pharmacy or any other distribution partner. In this embodiment, theconsumer can then pick up the order, which could be a prescriptionorder, at the distribution point at his or her convenience. In certainvariations, final control over distribution of the product can beapplied such as to insure that the consumer is not a minor, to confirmthe consumer's identity and/or to confirm the accuracy and/or quality ofthe order.

[0103] The custom finishing facility 108 can be located any suitabledistance from the cereal base production facility 110. Deliveries to thecustom finishing facility 108 can be made as often as necessary and takeany suitable amount of time. In one embodiment, custom finishingfacilities 108 and/or cereal base production facilities 110 are locatedworldwide. In one embodiment, the finishing process is built in a“cassette” format that can provide a given amount of product, i.e.,enough to service a particular geographic region. Such cassettes can beadded in any particular location as demand dictates. As can beappreciated by those skilled in the art unlike current finishingplatforms, the finishing process of the present invention is a flexibleand adaptable process.

[0104] System-level Overview

[0105]FIG. 2A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a customized foodproduct ordering and distribution system 200. In this embodiment, theconsumer in the consumer location 102 connects with the merchant server(i.e., server system) 106 through the information-processing interactivecommunications link 104 a shown in FIG. 1, which is essentially a “realtime” communications link when used for accessing a website, asdescribed below. In this embodiment, the consumer location 102 canessentially be anywhere the computer 116 (i.e., client system) isaccessible to the consumer.

[0106] The hardware and operating environment of this invention can bepracticed in any number of ways in conjunction with the variousembodiments. The invention is not particularly limited to any type ofclient system. As such, the computer 116 can be any type of device orinterface (i.e., information processor) designed to send and receivedata over the information-processing interactive communications link 104a. The computer 116 can operate as a stand-alone computer system or in anetworked environment using logical connections to one or more remotecomputers. In one embodiment, the computer 116 is a personal computer,such as a desktop computer. In another embodiment, the computer 116 isany type of portable computer, such as a conventional laptop or handheldpersonal digital assistant (e.g., Hewlett Packard Pocket PC®, e.g.,Compaq Ipaq®, Casio Casiopeia®, etc.).

[0107] In one embodiment, the computer 116 is operatively coupled to amonitor, a pointing device, which may be manually or voice activated. Inanother embodiment, any type of keypad or keyboard can be used inaddition to or instead of the pointing device. The monitor permits thedisplay of information for viewing by a user of the computer. Thepointing device permits the control of the screen pointer provided bythe graphical user interface of window-oriented operating systems. Thekeyboard or keypad permits entry of textual information, includingcommands and data, into the computer 116. The computer 116 includes acentral processing unit, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), and one or more storage devices, such as a hard disk drive, afloppy disk drive, a compact disc read-only memory (CD ROM), an opticaldisk drive, a tape cartridge drive or the like. The RAM and ROM arecollectively referred to as the memory of computer 116. The memory, harddrives, floppy disks, etc., are types of computer-readable media. Thecomputer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data for thecomputer 116. Computer-readable instructions stored on thecomputer-readable media are executable by the central processing unit ofthe computer 116. The computer-readable instructions perform a method ofinterpreting survey responses input by a method of interactivelyselecting and ordering a customized food product. As noted below, thecomputer 116 may also be capable of receiving information from one ormore supplemental computing devices that may have aggregated all or aportion of the order information such as a personal digital assistantoperatively connected by wire or wireless communication.

[0108] The information-processing interactive communications link 104 acan send and receive signals over any type of network operativelyconnecting the consumer location 102 and the merchant server 106. Thisincludes, but is not limited to, any type of wireless (e.g., infra-red)or wired connection, including satellite networks, telephone wiring,cable wiring, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) orthe Internet. In one embodiment, the network is a private WAN, such asAMERICA ONLINE™ or a pharmacy supply network. In another embodiment, anytype of private Internet Service Provider (ISP) is used. In someembodiments, the consumer location 102 is connected to the merchantserver 106 using a modem and a dial-up connection. In other embodiments,a high-speed data connection is used, such as high-speed cable, DigitalSubscriber Line (DSL), Alternate Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL),Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), and so forth.

[0109] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the merchant server 106 isaccessible via the Internet. The Internet itself comprises a hugecollection of computer and computer networks that are interconnectedthrough communication links. Information is exchanged using variousservices, such as electronic mail, Telnet, Gopher and the World Wide Web(WWW). The WWW, however, is used extensively worldwide because of itsability to send and receive graphical information commonly referred toas “Web pages” 218. Web pages 218 are typically identified by a UniformResource Locator (URL) commonly referred to as a “website address” or“address.” In order to view a specific Web page 218, the appropriateaddress is entered into the computer 116 at the consumer location 102and sent via the information-processing interactive communications link104 a to the merchant server 106. Once the request (known as a HyperText Transfer Protocol or HTTP request) is received by the merchantserver 106, the server then sends that Web page 218 to the consumerlocation 102. The Web page 218 is typically displayed at the consumerlocation 102 using a browser, which is an application designed torequest and display Web pages. The browser can include any featuresknown in the art, e.g., global navigation or short-cut buttonsaccessible from some or all of the Web pages, pop-up boxes providingadditional information, error messages, and so forth.

[0110] The Web pages 218 in one embodiment of the present inventioncontain an interactive series of questions, allowing a consumer tocomplete a survey in real-time, and create/select a customized foodproduct designed to meet his or her particular health, nutrition andtaste needs. Upon completing the interactive survey, the consumer can bepresented with key nutritional information and specific and customizedfood product suggestions. This nutritional information, together withthe customized food product suggestions can be generated automaticallyor manually, such as with any type of human intervention. At this point,the consumer can select and order a suggested customized food product.Alternatively, the consumer can further customize his food product, ifdesired. Optionally, the consumer can order a customized food productwithout completing the interactive survey. (Example Web pages arediscussed further in FIGS. 4-22).

[0111] In addition to Web pages 218, the merchant server 106 alsocomprises a controller (or server engine) 220 and a database 222,although the invention is not so limited. In one embodiment, thecontroller 220 represents a collection of controllers 220 in variouslocations. The controller 220 can be a database server, which receivesand processes the HTTP request to access Web pages 218. As a databaseserver, the controller 220 is also used to maintain the database 222. Inan alternative embodiment, the server implementing the customizedordering system can be a separate computer with access to the database222, rather than the database itself. Such a computer can include allthe necessary components for processing input signals and generatingappropriate output signals, as is understood in the art, having any orall of the features as described above for the consumer's computer 116.Such a computer can be coupled to a router, which, in turn, is coupledto a digital service unit/customer service unit (DSU/CSU). The DSU/CSUis connected to the information-processing interactive communicationslink 104 a by any of the aforementioned means.

[0112] The database 222 can include customer information, such asinformation on existing or potential purchasers, including, but notlimited to, name, address, personal information provided in response toquestions on the interactive Web pages 218, automated reorderinginformation, and so forth. The database 222 can also have orderinformation on previous and/or outstanding orders. The database 222 cantrack inventory by storing information on various food productcomponents, such as cereal bases and additives, which can be ordered bythe consumer.

[0113] In order to display nutritional and taste information andsuggestions on the interactive Web pages, the responses provided by theconsumer are collected and analyzed by the controller 220. Such analysisis completed using software programs containing appropriate routines andalgorithms designed to collect and interpret data, as well as tosummarize and display results unique to the particular responses given.Depending on the consumer responses, the controller 220 issuesinstructions to display recommendations and information designed touniquely meet a particular consumer's needs.

[0114] In an alternative embodiment, the display device comprisesvirtually any means for displaying information as is know in the art,including, but not limited to any type of paper products (e.g., in theform of a letter, brochure, magazine, book, label, and so forth). Insuch an embodiment, the user interface can further comprise any type ofcommunication device known in the art, including, but not limited to anytype of writing device, such as a pen, pencil, and so forth. In oneembodiment, there is no display device, and the information iscommunicated only by audio means, such as cassette tapes, compact discs,and so forth. In an alternative embodiment, the survey responses arereviewed by an individual, either instead of, or in addition to beinganalyzed automatically by the pre-programmed controller 220.

[0115] Once a particular formulation is ordered by a consumer, which maybe a food formulation, such as a cereal formulation, never made prior tothis point in time, the merchant server 106 provides information to thecustom finishing facility 108 where the customized order is prepared.The merchant server 106 also needs to provide information regardingingredient and nutrition labels. In one embodiment, a computer programrunning on the merchant server 106 is designed to develop a set of rulesunique to that product. The process includes using a look-up table thatgives precise nutritional values for all the components of the newproduct, evaluating their overall contribution based on weight,computing the total weight of all of these components, including microand macronutrients, and instructing a printer to create a label havingnutritional values and total weight. Additionally, functions that assignmass (weight) values to all the components must be completed in order tocreate a proper ingredient label that is complete and accurate. Such alabel lists ingredients in descending order based on their amount, byweight, in the product.

[0116] As noted above, the custom finishing facility 108 is suppliedwith food components from a food component facility, such as the cerealbase production facility 110. Various finishing components or additivesare supplied from any number of finishing component suppliers 112. Afterthe customized product is packaged and labeled with the appropriatelabel, it is shipped to the consumer as described above.

[0117]FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the client system 116 comprising adisplay component 230, selection component 232, ordering component 234and shopping cart ordering component 236 as described herein. Thedisplay component 230 displays a list of additives for creating acustomized food product. The selection component 232 allows selection ofone or more ingredients, i.e., additives, from the list of ingredientsto create the customized food product. The ordering component sends arequest to a server system to order the customized food product. Theshopping cart ordering component 236 a, in response to performance of anadd-to-shopping-cart action, sends a request to the server system to addthe item to a shopping cart.

[0118]FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the server system 106 comprising ashopping cart ordering component 236, a data storage medium component238, a receiving component 240 and an order placement component 242 asdescribed herein. The shopping cart ordering component 236 b adds arequested item to a shopping cart. The data storage medium component 238stores information for a plurality of users using a unique code for eachorder. The receiving component 240 receives requests to order acustomized food product. The order placement component 242 retrieves theunique code from the data storage medium component and uses theinformation associated with the unique code to place an order for theuser identified by the unique code.

[0119] Essentially the system provides a computerized method forproviding a plurality of ingredient combinations for a customized foodproduct, i.e., “Design Phase.” In one embodiment, the process continueswith receiving one or more preferences from a user for the customizedfood product. In a particular embodiment, as noted above, thepreferences are received in response to a computerized survey such as aweb-based survey. An example embodiment of a web-based consumer surveyis described herein and in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.60/181,282, supra. In one example, the user's preferences are based on auser's taste requirements for the customized food product (“tastepreferences”). For example, survey questions concerning taste can beused to determine food product preferences as to types of form,ingredients, flavors, sweetness, serving size, particulates, types(e.g., hot or RTE cold), and the like. In another example, the user'spreferences are based on a user's health concerns and nutritionalrequirements for the customized food product (“health concerns”). Forexample, survey questions concerning health needs can be used todetermine health concerns based on a user's general health state (i.e.,gender, age, obesity, activity level, and the like), as well as specifichealth concerns and conditions (i.e., heart disease, cancer risk,osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, tobacco use, nutrient consumptionpatterns, diabetes, and the like).

[0120] In an alternate embodiment, the consumer's nutritionalrequirements as determined by a health professional or advancedtechnology are used, rather than the user's preferences. This alternateembodiment allows a health professional to enter a patient's nutritionalrequirements in order to obtain a recommended food product that, inwhole or part, meets the specified nutritional requirements of thatpatient. This alternate embodiment further allows data such as medicaltest results to used rather than consumer preferences. Recommending acustomized food product based, in whole or in part, on medical testresults allows a medical professional to prescribe a customized diet fora patient based on that patient's unique nutritional requirements.

[0121] The computerized method can continue by selecting one or more ofthe plurality of ingredient combinations as a recommended customizedfood product based on the one or more preferences received from theuser. In a specific embodiment in which a cereal product is beingdesigned, the ingredients can be organized into any number ofcategories. In one embodiment, the ingredients are organized into threecategories: bases, clusters, and particulates. The terms “base,”“cluster,” and “particulate” are defined in the first section of thisdetailed description. The process of recommending one or more of theplurality of ingredient combinations of a customized food product to auser can be referred to as the “Application Phase.” In an exampleembodiment, selecting one or more of the plurality of ingredientcombinations results in at least one recommended customized food productthat best satisfies the taste preferences, at least one recommendedcustomized food product that best satisfies the health concerns and atleast one recommended customized food product that best satisfies boththe taste preferences and the health concerns of the user.

[0122] An alternate embodiment of the computerized method ofrecommending a customized food product uses ingredient templates. Asused herein, an ingredient template (also referred to as a “template”)refers to a definition of a customized food product using at least somegeneral categories of ingredients rather than specific ingredients. Inother words, an ingredient template is a generalized recipe orgeneralized combination of ingredients. In one example, an ingredienttemplate defines a customized ready-to-eat cereal product as containingmultigrain flakes, high fat particulates, and high density/high fiberfruits. High fat particulates are one category of particulates. Highdensity, high fiber fruits are another category of particulates. Severaldifferent actual ingredient combinations are possible for a singleingredient template such as the example ingredient template definedabove. For example, an actual ingredient combination for the exampleingredient template defined above is multigrain flakes, walnuts, anddates. Another actual ingredient combination for the example ingredienttemplate defined above is multigrain flakes, sliced almonds, and dates.

[0123] In this embodiment, the computerized method of recommending acustomized food product from a plurality of ingredients comprisesclassifying at least some of the ingredients into physically and/ornutritionally-similar ingredient categories. A plurality of ingredienttemplates are generated from the ingredients and the ingredientcategories using predefined rules of combination. Preferences arereceived from a user or health professional, for example, for acustomized food product. One or more of the ingredient templates areselected based on the preferences. A specific ingredient is selectedfrom each one of the ingredient categories in the one or more ingredienttemplates based on the preferences received. The customized food productrecommended to the consumer comprises the actual ingredients selectedfor the selected ingredient template.

[0124] The processing modules and software modules necessary to performthe design phase functions, as well as the application phase functions,are described in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/699,622, supra. Inone embodiment, an output of the design phase processing modules is aset of ingredient templates to be searched in the “application stage.”The set of ingredient templates represents “virtual food products.” Thevirtual food products are created by logically combining the ingredients(bases, clusters, and particulates) in a manner that maximizes thediversity of the choices available to a consumer. Some of thecombinations represent commercially-available food products. However,many of the combinations represent food products that are not, nor everhave been, commercially available.

[0125] In one embodiment, the ingredient template outputs are organizedinto two groups. In one embodiment, the first group comprises ingredienttemplates that are used to recommend a customized food product primarilybased on health and diet criteria and secondarily based on tastepreferences. The second group comprises ingredient templates that areused to recommend a customized food product based only on tastepreferences without regard to health and diet criteria (except forover-fortification rules).

[0126] Methods of Using Example Embodiments

[0127] In the previous section, a system level overview of the operationof an example embodiment of the invention was described. In thissection, the particular methods performed by a processor or controller,such as the controller 220 of FIG. 1, can be described by reference to aseries of flowcharts and diagrams. The methods to be performedconstitute computer programs made up of computer-executableinstructions. The methods shown in FIGS. 3A-3H are implemented inconnection with a machine readable medium comprising machine readableinstructions for causing a computer to perform the method. Suchmachine-readable medium may include software modules and computerprograms. The computer programs comprise multiple modules or objects toperform the methods, or the functions of the processing modules in acomputer automated detail routing system. The type of computerprogramming languages used to write the code may vary from proceduralcode type languages to object oriented languages. The files or objectsneed not have a one to one correspondence to the modules or method stepsdescribed depending on the desires of the programmer. Further, themethod and apparatus may comprise combinations of software, hardware andfirmware. Describing the methods by reference to flowcharts enables oneskilled in the art to develop such programs including such instructionsto carry out the methods on suitable computerized systems.

[0128] FIGS. 3A-C provide a flow chart showing one embodiment of aroutine for interactively selecting, ordering and distributing acustomized food product. In this embodiment there are three differentroutes or paths a consumer can take, although the invention is not solimited. Recommendation Path “A” 431 which provides full customization,“One Blend Only Path “B” 433 which provides for limited customizationand the “Specialized Blends Path “C” 435, which provides selectedcategories and can optionally offer some customization capabilities.

[0129] For each path, the method 300 begins with a customer interfacestep when a consumer communicates 302 with a merchant. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 2A for example, such communication is performed byaccessing the merchant server with the information-processinginteractive communications link (104 a). For the consumer choosing theRecommendation Path “A” 431 shown in FIG. 3A, he can then complete 304an interactive survey, either on-line or via telephone, mail, fax, andso forth. The interactive merchant survey asks questions to determinehealth, nutrition and taste preferences of each consumer. (The detailsregarding these questions are described in FIGS. 8-11). Basically, theconsumer can be quizzed as to what types of foods, such as particularcereal types or brands they currently enjoy, as well as preferences asto grains, sweetness, nutrition, serving size, packaging, flavors,particulates and type (e.g., hot or RTE cold). In other embodiments, theuser may select form among any number of categories of food to answerquestions only in the area or areas of interest. The survey also quizzesconsumers regarding their general health state, i.e., gender, age,obesity and activity level, as well as specific health concerns andconditions, i.e., heart disease, cancer risk, osteoporosis, menopausalsymptoms, tobacco use and nutrient consumption patterns.

[0130] The consumer then views and selects 306 from customized foodproduct choices provided by the merchant that best suits the taste andhealth needs of the individual. With this invention, it is now possibleto vary a number of attributes relating to a food product. For example,with cereal or snack products, the attributes that can be variedinclude, but are not limited to, grain type or types, flavors,sweetness, nutrition, serving size, packaging, particulates, type (e.g.,hot or cold RTE). The consumer can then choose to further customize 308one or more of the food product choices prior to selecting 310 acustomized food product. Alternately, the consumer can select 310 one ofthe customized food products he viewed 306 initially.

[0131] In an alternative embodiment, the consumer can select 310 thecustomized food product without completing the interactive survey. Forexample, this can be the steps followed for established customers whocan instead use any type of automated refill or reordering systemlocated on the merchant server. In one embodiment, an automatedreordering system is resident in the computer 116 or in any type ofappliance or inventory management device owned by the consumer.

[0132] The consumer than sends a request to the merchant server systemto place 312 a customized order for one or more particular cerealproducts. In one embodiment, the consumer is required to provide creditcard information to complete placement of the order. The merchant serverreceives the request, which can be identified with a unique code asdescribed above. The merchant server system then processes 314 thecustomized order by first generating an order to purchase the customizedfood product, with information sent to a custom finishing facility. Thegenerated order is then fulfilled to complete the purchase of thecustomized food product. Specifically, the custom finishing facilityprepares 316 the customized order, i.e., constructs the personalizedproduct using the appropriate food product base which has been shipped318 from the appropriate food production facility. Order information canalso be sent to the food product base production facility forinventory-tracking purposes.

[0133] The customized order is then shipped 320 via any suitable meansand delivered 322 to the consumer. The customized order can be delivereddirectly to the consumer or to a redemption facility, such as adepartment store, where the consumer goes to pick up the order. In oneembodiment, the entire process from placing the order to receiving theorder takes about 7-10 days. In another embodiment, the process takesfive (5) to six (6) days or less.

[0134] For the consumer following the One Blend Only Path “B” 433 asshown in FIG. 3B, he first views and selects 303 ingredients fromvarious categories to create a customized food product. For example, tocreate a customized cereal product on Path “B,” the consumer can selecta limited number of ingredients from among various categories such ascereal form (e.g., puffs, rings, flakes, squares museli, granola,biscuits, nuggets, shreds, and so forth), clusters/add-ins, nuts, anddried or freeze-dried fruits. In this embodiment, the merchant canprovide restrictions as to the types of ingredients that can be combinedby advising the consumer to not mix ingredients in one “group” withanother, and further programming the software to limit combinationsaccordingly. The consumer then views 305 one customized food product andcan then choose to further customize 307 the one food product prior toselecting 309 the customized food product. Alternately, the consumer canselect 309 the customized food product initially viewed 305. The processthan proceeds as described in Path, “A” with the customer placing 312the customized order and so forth, until the customized food product isdelivered 322 to the consumer.

[0135] For the consumer following the Specialized Blends Path “C” 435,shown in FIG. 3C, he first views and selects 311 from among variouscategories, such as health (e.g., weight management, energy, hearthealth, and so forth), taste (e.g., chocolate, nuts, and so forth), andfavorites (e.g., popular blends, celebrity choice, merchant favorites,and so forth). In one embodiment, the favorites category can alsoinclude a category to allow the consumer to modify an existing foodproduct, such as a brand name cereal, e.g., Basic 4® In this embodiment,the merchant can build in any necessary restrictions to modification inorder to prevent a food product from being produced that is unhealthy,organoleptically unsatisfying, and so forth. The consumer then views 313from among the specialized blends in their chosen category. The consumercan then choose to further customize 315 the one chosen specializedblend prior to selecting 317 the specialized blend. Alternately, theconsumer can select 317 the specialized blend initially viewed 305. Theprocess than proceeds as described above in Path, “A” with the customerplacing 312 the customized order and so forth, until the customized foodproduct is delivered 322 to the consumer.

[0136]FIG. 3C is a flow diagram of a routine that enables interactiveselecting and ordering of a customized food product. Under the clientsystem 116, a list is displayed 342. The list can contain additives andeither food bases or half-product choices. A selection 344 is made fromthe list and a request 346 to order is sent to the server system 106.The server system receives 348 the order request and identifies 350 theorder with a unique code. An order is then generated 352 to purchase thecustomized food product.

[0137]FIG. 3D is a high-level flowchart of one embodiment of acomputerized method of providing a plurality of ingredient templates fora customized food product. As shown in FIG. 3D, the computerized methodof providing a plurality of combinations for a cereal food productbegins by receiving 328 a first set of data representing ingredients fora customized food product and a second set of data representingnutritional information for each one of the ingredients. In oneembodiment, the ingredients are organized into nutritional groups. In anexample embodiment, the nutritional groups comprise bases, clusters, andparticulates. The computerized method shown in FIG. 3D uses the datareceived to produce 330 a set of generalized combinations (also referredto herein as templates) of the ingredients. The computerized method thencalculates 332 one or more nutritional scores for each one of thegeneralized combinations. The computerized method also generates 334 oneor more data structures comprising a plurality of combinations of theingredients, the nutritional information, and the one or morenutritional scores for each one of the generalized combinations of theingredients.

[0138] In an alternate embodiment, the computerized method shown in FIG.3D also filters the generalized combinations of ingredients beforeand/or after calculating the scores. In another alternate embodiment,categories are provided within the particulate and cluster nutritionalgroups. The generalized combinations of the ingredients follow rulespredefined for the minimum and maximum levels that each category canexist in an ingredient template.

[0139]FIG. 3E is a high-level flowchart of one embodiment of acomputerized method of recommending a customized food product based onone or more consumer preferences. As shown in FIG. 3E, the computerizedmethod of selecting one or more of a plurality of combinations for thecustomized food product based on the one or more preferences provided bya user receives 336 data representing a plurality of generalizedcombinations of ingredients for a customized food product and userpreferences for the customized food product. The computerized methodselects 338 one or more of the generalized combinations that satisfiesthe user preferences and selects specific ingredients from thegeneralized combination based on the user preferences.

[0140]FIG. 3F is a flow diagram of a routine that enables interactiveselecting and ordering of a customized food product. The process iscomprised of a client system 116 and a server system 106. Within theclient system 116 a list is viewed 342 on a display, a selection is made344 from the list and the resulting request is sent 346 to order. Withinthe server system 106, the order request is received 348, the request isidentified 350 with a unique code and a purchase order is generated 352for a customized food product.

[0141]FIG. 3G is a flow diagram of a routine that enables an interactivepurchase of a customized food product. The process begins when a list ofadditives is viewed 354. One or more additives are then selected 356. Arequest to purchase the food product is then transmitted 358.

[0142]FIG. 3H is a flow diagram of a routine for creating a customizedcereal product. The process begins when an interactive survey isprovided 360 to a user. The user is allowed 362 to respond to theinteractive survey. The answers provided by the user are analyzed 364. Acustomized food product is then created 366.

[0143]FIG. 3I is a flow diagram of a routine for selecting and orderinga customized food product. The process begins when a list of choices isviewed 368 on a display. A selection is then made 370 from the list ofchoices and the selection is transmitted 372. As shown in FIG. 3J, thelist of choices 370 in this embodiment includes a customized foodproduct choices 431 (Path A), customized food ingredient choices 433(Path B) and customized food category choices 435 (Path C).

[0144]FIG. 3K is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a method ofcreating a customized food product with a computer system having agraphical user interface that includes a display and a user interfaceselection device. The process begins when an interactive consumer surveyis displayed 374 (display). A response is received 376 to theinteractive consumer survey (selection device). Recommended foodproducts are then displayed 378 (display). Instructions can thenoptionally be received 380 to modify components in recommended foodproducts (selection device).

[0145]FIG. 3L is a flow diagram of a routine for producing a nutritionand ingredient label. The process begins with using 382 a look-up table.Nutritional contribution is evaluated 384. A total weight for thecomponents is computed 386. Finally, a printer is instructed 388 tocreate a label.

[0146] High Level Overview of an Example Implementation of a Website

[0147] As noted above, the Web pages 218 contain a series of questionsdesigned to learn about each individual consumer's needs and desires,including their health and taste preferences. Again, although thepresent invention applies to any type of food product, the exampleinteractive Web pages herein (FIGS. 4-22) refer specifically in placesto customized cereal products, including fully customized products,i.e., creating a new cereal, specialized blends, i.e., blends forspecific taste or health needs, blends created by others, and so forth,and a semi-customized blend, i.e., blending from a limited number ofingredients, the user interface described herein is applicable to anytype of customized food product. In one embodiment, the user interfaceis as described in U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/181,282,supra.

[0148] One skilled in the art can appreciate that the various Web pagesand various sections of the Web pages can be omitted, rearranged oredited in a variety of ways. Furthermore, any type of graphics, colorschemes, audio and/or visual means can be used, including adding logos,pictures, animations, applets, streaming video, photographs,computer-generated voices, live voices, music, and so forth, as is knownin the art, where appropriate to emphasize or enhance a particular Webpage in design and/or function. Where it is noted that information canbe entered by clicking a “button,” this is a reference to placing acursor over a predefined area of the displayed information, and thenclicking on a mouse button. However, any means or combinations of meansknown in the art can be used additionally, or in the alternative, toenter information. This includes, but is not limited to, voicerecognition means, typing means in which a keyboard or similar device isused to type the desired information into a data entry field, and soforth. In one embodiment, the Web pages are in various languages.

[0149]FIG. 4A provides an exemplary Web site overview or map 400containing first and second global navigation sets, 401 a and 401 b,respectively, having various buttons or links that can be made availableon every Web page of the Web site, although the invention is not solimited. However, global navigation capability can provide convenientone-step links to any number of desired locations, as is known in theart. In one embodiment, there is only one global navigation set havingmost or all of the links described in the two sets herein (401 a and 401b) and/or different links, additional links, and so forth. In otherembodiments, there are no global links or the number and type of linkscan vary, depending on the page being accessed. In one embodiment, eachset of links is located at about the same location on every Web page. Inone embodiment, the Web site is operational virtually around-the-clock.

[0150] Referring now to both FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first globalnavigation set 401 a provides a “glossary” button 403, “registration”button 405, “customer service” button 407, “about us” button 409,“contact us” button 411, “legal/privacy” button 413 and “help/FAQ”button 415. Again, in alternative embodiments, some or all of thesebuttons may be varied or omitted.

[0151] Upon choosing the “glossary” button 403, the glossary page isdisplayed for the user. In one embodiment, this page provides onlyingredient terms. In another embodiment, this page also providesdefinitions for various health, nutrition, taste and food terms thatconsumers may be interested in. Essentially any terms of interest can bedefined including medical terms, fitness terms, and so forth. In oneembodiment, pictures and/or streaming video is also included in thedefinitions. In another embodiment, there is an audio feature providedto help explain the terms. The glossary page can also provide links tosites that can provide further information on a particular word, phraseor topic. In one embodiment, the glossary page has a “healthinformation” button 421 and/or a “help/more information” button 408and/or a help/FAQ button 415 to link directly to those pages.

[0152] Upon choosing the “registration” button 405, the user is taken tothe “create or edit account” page 404 in which information such as name,shipping address, billing address, phone number, and so forth, can beentered and saved. In one embodiment, the consumer also has the optionto enter and save credit card information. The user can then be promptedto select a user name and password as is known in the art. In thefuture, voice identification, retinal scanning, fingerprint or any otherunique biological identifiers that become more widely available can alsobe used instead of or as a type of password. The “customer service”button 407 brings the user to a page that provide means for the user tocontact the Web site service representatives by phone, fax and/or e-mailwith any questions about the Web site. On this page, the user can begiven the option to be contacted or not. In one embodiment, there is astatement on the customer service page that contact will occur within acertain time period, such as 24 hours. In one embodiment, there is anactive link to the service representative's e-mail address.

[0153] The “about us” button 409 provides access to a page that candescribe the history and capabilities of the Web site's product andservice provider. Qualifications of the staff who provide consumerinformation can also be presented here. In one embodiment, the staff iscomprised of persons having backgrounds in nutrition science, publichealth, clinical nutrition, medicine, pharmaceuticals, alternativemedicines, and food science, and so forth. In one embodiment, the staffincludes persons with Master's level and/or doctorate level degrees.

[0154] The “contact us” button 411 provides access to a page havingsimilar information and links as described above for customer service.In one embodiment, the “contact us” button 411 and customer servicebutton 407 are combined into a common link. In another embodiment, the“contact us” page provides access to any of the help and/or informationareas, including access to a live chat room in which users can visitdirectly with nutrition and health experts as described herein.

[0155] The “legal/privacy” button 413 provides access to a page thatoutlines the privacy policy of the site. Details as to what informationis collected and how it is used can be given. A statement that this siteis intended for use by adults 18 years or older is also preferably made.Other information can include details on information automaticallycollected from the user's browser server's domain.

[0156] The “help/FAQ” button 415 provides direct access to the FAQportion of the help page. Such questions may pertain to technicalquestions on how to use the site, in which case the user might bedirected to the demo page. Other questions may pertain to privacyissues, nutrition issues, health and taste issues, cost, delivery andshipping issues, return and refund issues, and so forth.

[0157] The second global navigation set 401 b provides a “my home”button 417, “site demo” button 419, “health info” button 421 and “mybasket” button 423. There can additionally or alternately be a“condition information” button on which the user can link to reviewtheir most recent personal health or nutrition profiles and/or tasteinformation. From here there can be links to other health-relatedwebsites as described herein. In another embodiment there is a “feature”button which provides instant access to a customer chat-room and/orupdate information pertaining to what is new on the website. In thisway, customers with similar health problems can interact and share todiscuss favorite customized food products, general health issues, and soforth. Access to an update area also provides means for the merchant tocommunicate statistics about the site to its users, such as commentingon what percentage of users have ordered with certain components, whatis the most sought-after customized food, what the latest changes are tothe site itself, and so forth. In other embodiments this type ofinformation can be provided on any of the web pages described herein. Asabove, in alternative embodiments, some or all of these buttons may bevaried or omitted.

[0158] The “my home” button 417 provides direct access to the “my home”page 410 (FIG. 6) described below. The “site demo” button 419 providesaccess to a non-interactive demonstration of how to use the site, suchas through use of a sample order. Such a demonstration can be on aseries of screens through which the user is prompted to advance or whichadvances automatically, any type of video and/or audio presentation andso forth. The demonstration can include, for example, how a survey maybe completed, how choices are presented, how further customization maybe done, how the product may be ordered, how to follow a particularpath, if applicable, and so forth.

[0159] The “health info” button 421 can take the user directly to the“what's new” page 428, which lists various health topics andsubcategories that are active links to other pages with additionalinformation. The “my basket” button 423 takes the user directly to the“my basket” page 444 (FIG. 17) described below.

[0160] Referring again to the various Web pages 218 in FIG. 4A, in thisembodiment, there is a home/login page 402 (FIG. 5) from which one cango to the “create or edit account” page 404, “request a forgottenpassword” page 406, “more information” section of the help page 408 orto their personal home page, i.e., “my home” page 410 (FIG. 6). Aftercompleting the “create or edit account” page 404, this user can alsoenter his personal home page 410. If the user is a returning user whohas forgotten his password, he can request a forgotten password on the“request password” page 406 by verifying his identity. The verificationprocess can take any form, such as accurately responding to a questionpreviously answered during the registration process. If the user issuccessful in responding to the question, his password is e-mailed tohis personal e-mail account, as is communicated on the “e-mail passwordto user” page 412. If the attempt to sign-in fails due to an improperlyentered password or user name, the user will receive an error messagepage (or insert) 414, requesting that he try again. This may happen fora certain predetermined number of attempts, such as about three or four,after which the user will need to authenticate his password as describedabove, so it can be e-mailed to him, as is communicated on the “e-mailpassword to user” page 412. If the user is unable to remember theirpassword and/or user name, he can go to the “create or edit account”page 404, if desired.

[0161] If the log-in is successful, the user enters his personal homepage, i.e., “my home” page 410 (FIG. 6). From the “my home” page 410,the user can choose to go to the “modify” page 442 (FIG. 15) or the “mybasket” page 444 (FIG. 17). Additionally, the user can go to the “createa new food product” page 424 (FIG. 7), the “order status” page 420 orthe “create or edit an account” page 404. The user can also access thetaste and health survey to edit information, for example, beginning atthe “who is this for?” page 426 (FIG. 8) to edit his profile.Additionally, the user can view general health information on the“what's new” page 428 and click on links there to go to more detailedinformation, as desired. In one embodiment, the “feature” and/or“condition information” links discussed above are available from here.

[0162] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, at the “create a new foodproduct” page 424 (FIG. 7), the user can select Recommendation Path “A”431, One Blend Only Path “B” 433 or Specialized Blends Path “C” 435. Inother embodiments, there may be only one or two paths. In yet otherembodiments there may be more than three paths, such as a separate pathfor altering current popular products, i.e., adapting current productsby packaging, price, amount, components, and so forth. (In theembodiment described herein, this type of option is included in the OneBlend Only Path “B” 433, See also FIG. 21). For the user who selects anyof the paths, a “who is this for?” page 426 (FIG. 8) can be displayed.For the user who selects either of Paths “A” 431 or “B” 433, an “aboutme” page 428 (FIG. 9) can be displayed in which the user is asked toanswer some additional personal details.

[0163] For the user on Path “A” 431, the next page can be a taste surveyor “my taste,” page 430 (FIGS. 10A-10C), which asks a series of personaltaste-related questions. The next page can be a “health survey” page 432(FIGS. 11A-11B), which asks a series of health-related questions. Inother embodiments, there may be additional and/or alternate surveyquestions covering other topics that may be useful in recommendingparticular types of customized food products. The user can then bepresented with a “fully customized recommendations” page 434 (FIGS.12A-12B) in which a number of custom blends are presented for hisreview. From the “fully customized recommendations” page 434, the usercan go to the “ingredients/nutrition” page 438 (FIGS. 13A-13B) or to anytype of compare page, such as “compare” page 436 (FIG. 14).

[0164] The user can also choose to go to the “modify” page 440 (FIG.15), to modify any of the recommended blends. The user can then go tothe “save and name” page 442 (FIG. 16) where he selects a unique namefor the food product or return to the “fully customized recommendations”page 434 (FIGS. 12A-12B). Alternatively, the user can proceed to the“save/name” page 442 (FIG. 16) from the “fill customizedrecommendations” page 434 directly. From the “save/name” page 442, theuser can next view the “my basket” page 444 (FIG. 17), the “billing andshipping” page 446, and the “checkout” page 448.

[0165] For the user on the One Blend Only Path “B” 433, after completingthe “about me” page 428 (FIG. 9), an alternate taste survey on the “mytaste preferences₂” page 450 (FIGS. 18A-18C) can be completed, in whichvarious ingredients are selected for the food product. From there, theuser can then proceed to a “one blend recommendation” page 435 (FIG.19), which will have one selection for the user to view. From here, theuser can go to the “ingredients/nutrition” page 438 (FIGS. 13A-13B) orto any type of compare page, such as a page that compares the one blendrecommendation with competitive products or with any other product ofthe user's choosing. In one embodiment, the user can modify theselection at the “modify” page 440 (FIG. 15). In another embodiment,there are no modification capabilities on Path “B.” In yet anotherembodiment, there are alternately or additionally, specific brand nameslisted on the “my taste₂” page 450, from which the user can select andmodify in any manner, such as with the methods available on the “modify”page or with a special modification page, such as the example shown inFIG. 20. From either of the modification pages or directly from the “oneblend recommendation” page 435, the user can return to the “one blendrecommendation” page 435 or proceed to the “save/name” page 442 (FIG.16) and proceed as described above for Path “A” 431.

[0166] For the user on Path “C” 435, after completing the “who is thisfor?” page 426 (FIG. 8), a “specialized blends categories” page 456(FIG. 21) can be viewed, which offers several special categories ofcustomized foods from which to choose. In most embodiments, afterselecting the category of interest, the user is presented with multiplechoices on the “specialized blends selections” page (FIGS. 22A-22D).After deciding on the final product, the user can then proceed to the“save/name” page 442 (FIG. 16) as with the other embodiments. In analternative embodiment, the user on Path “C” 435 can make modificationsas in Paths “A” or “B.”

[0167] Description of Sample Web Pages in the Above-described ExampleImplementation

[0168] Describing a few of the exemplary Web pages 218 outlined above inmore detail, the user typically begins his visit to the Web site at oneor more introductory or home pages, although the invention is not solimited. Preferably, sufficient information is conveyed to help the userunderstand the nature of the site and what steps to take next. Forexample, the introductory page can generally recite the offering ofhealthy and delicious breakfast cereals or other foods, includingbeverages, frozen products, and so forth, customized to meet thespecific nutritional needs and taste preferences of online customers.Such a Web page can also note that such products are not available inconventional stores. In one embodiment, however, a consumer can arrangeto pick up their order at a local store. In a particular embodiment, thecustomized food product can actually be a prescription item prescribedby the user's medical caregiver, which can be delivered to the user'shome or picked up at a local pharmacy.

[0169] Further information on the overall selecting and ordering processcan be given. This can include a statement explaining that by answeringa few taste preference and health questions, the sponsor of the Web pagewill design food products, such as cereal blends, that fit a consumer'sparticular needs. There can also be a statement that this Web site willalso provide the on-line consumer with health and nutrition informationthat can help him or her lead a healthier life. The merchant can alsopromise to keep any information provided by the consumer in confidence.In one embodiment, the privacy statement is repeated on other Web pagesand/or global links are provided. Such a statement may be particularlyreassuring for those who seek to fully customize their food by answeringa series of personal taste, health and lifestyle questions. Aninvitation to “come in” to the site can also be given.

[0170]FIG. 5 shows one example of a “welcome/log-in” page 402 thatincludes a welcoming introductory statement 502 that is designed toprovide a brief overview of the Web site. In some embodiments, however,a returning user may begin his visit to the website at his own personalhome page, i.e., the “my home” page 410 (FIG. 6), that he previouslycreated. This Web page can also optionally contain any type of “createor edit an account” button 504 that links to the “create or edit anaccount” page 404 shown in FIG. 4. If the user has forgotten hispassword, he can click on the “forgot password” link 506 to go to the“request password” page 406 shown in FIG. 4. If the user is not ready tocreate an account, but would like to learn more about the site, he canclick on the “more information” button 508 to be connected to the “moreinformation” section of the “help” page 408 (FIG. 4).

[0171] The “home/log-in” page 402 can also have a sign-on componentcontaining data entry fields for entering a user name or e-mail addressand a password, after which the user can use the “returning user” button510, the “continue” link 512, hit the enter key on his keyboard, or useany other known means for uploading his information to the server. Ifthe information is entered properly, the user enters the “my home” page410 (FIG. 6). Otherwise, he proceeds to the login/error request passwordpage 414 as described above in FIG. 4.

[0172] The “my home” page” 410 is a personalized area that is unique toeach user. This page can contain this user's most recent surveyresponse, most recent health, taste and nutrition information that hasbeen provided by the merchant, favorite or previously-saved links, suchas health and pharmacy links, and so forth. In one embodiment, thepersonalized area contains specific questions from the merchant gearedtowards this individual consumer as to whether there have been anychanges in health or lifestyle, whether any planned events haveoccurred, e.g., surgeries, childbirth, menopause, etc., based oninformation previously provided by the consumer. In one embodiment, thisinformation also contains an estimated or actual date of occurrence. Inthis way, the process becomes iterative, such that the merchant is ableto develop a profile on each consumer and continue to “learn” about thechanging needs of each individual accessing their website. This sameiterative learning process can occur using any other means ofcommunication, including, but not limited to, telephone, fax, mail, andso forth.

[0173]FIG. 6 provides one example of the “my home” page 410. In thisembodiment there is a title, “my home page” 602 as well as a foodproduct description 603 of food products this user has previouslycreated. The description might list who the food product was createdfor, the date the food product was last modified, the name previouslychosen for the product, and so forth. In this embodiment, the user canselect the “modify food product” button 642 to go to the “modify” page442 (FIG. 15) or the “order” button 644 to go to the “my basket” page444 (FIG. 17). The user can also choose the “remove food product” button643 to delete this particular creation. Additionally, the user can clickon the “create a new food product” button 624 to go to the “create a newfood product” page 424 (FIG. 7), the “check on the status of an order”button 620 to go to the “order status” page 420 or the “editregistration information” button 604 to go to the “create or edit anaccount” page 404. (See FIG. 4). In this embodiment there is also aprofile description 605 that contains a list of profiles this user haspreviously generated. Such profiles are created in response to questionsasked in the user surveys described herein. In this embodiment, the usercan select the “profile modify” button 626 to modify any of the profileslisted. In one embodiment, this action takes the user to the “who isthis for?” page 426 (FIG. 8) in order to enter the survey area. The usercan also choose the “profile remove” button 647 to completely remove oneor more profiles.

[0174] From the “my home” page 410 the user can also click on a “what'snew” link 628 to go to the “what's new” page 428. Alternatively, theuser can click directly on topics of interest that are featured on the“my home” page 410. In one embodiment, the topics that the user viewshave been custom-selected based on the user's responses to the healthand taste surveys. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the topics arebone health and women's health, with corresponding links, 613 and 615,respectively, to more information. In one embodiment, there is also somespecific information on these topics also included on the “my home” page410. In one embodiment, software is available to provide “constructed”text, which addresses an individual's various unique concerns and needs.Such constructed text can be assembled from a collection of componenttext that itself is put together from bits and pieces of information.For the user concerned with heart health, for example, the softwareprogram analyzes and arranges data that the user has input in order toprovide a customized “booklet” of topics personalized for thatindividual.

[0175] In other embodiments, the customized food selection, ordering anddistribution website is essentially a one-stop health resource forconsumers. For example, there may be topic choices and informationavailable on the my home page 410 related to any number ofhealth-related topics, including, but not limited to child and teennutrition, colon cancer risk reduction, diabetes, dietary guidelines,digestive health, energy, heart health, men's health, mental healthissues (e.g., depression, including postpartum depression), and soforth. Other topics can also be covered, such as specialty diets asdescribed herein (low sodium, Weight Watcher's®), etc., furtherincluding ethnic and religious diets, e.g., Lenten fasting, Jewishkosher foods, Islamic food law, Halal, etc. Preferably links, such as613 and 615 in FIG. 6, are available to provide more information on eachtopic. In one embodiment, the “more information” links provide access toadditional health information, such as tips for preventing problems inthis particular health area, case studies, definitions, exercise tips,information on how to reduce stress, and so forth. In one embodimentthere are also menu suggestions (e.g., weekly menu planner, daily menuplanner, etc.), recipes, links to other health-related sites, and soforth. These can include various health websites known in the art,including sites sponsored by private organizations, includingnot-for-profit organizations, and so forth. In one embodiment, there isa complete list of all of the health-related topics presented on eachpage in this area. In another embodiment, there is a link to a live chatroom, which has experts in various health-related fields available.

[0176] In another embodiment, the website provides personalized trackingof a user's health, including information such as blood pressure,cholesterol and so forth. For example, in response to the user enteringspecific health data, the merchant can periodically provide graphs andcharts tracking these values, similar to information provided by on-linefinancial businesses. In a particular embodiment, this healthinformation can be posted on the user's “home page” 410 (FIG. 16). Inone embodiment, this information is posted together with the surveysummary described below. In another embodiment, this information is sentto the user via any other means (e.g., facsimile, hardcopy, etc.) in aseparate communication or together with any type of survey summary,which may include interpretative information and suggested foods, asnoted above.

[0177] In one embodiment, the website provides even more detailed adviceto the consumer by including a “personal nutritionist” feature that canhelp alter bad eating habits and poor nutrition in the same manner as afinancial planner seeks to help alter bad spending habits and poorfinances. This feature can also simply help to maintain an existinghealthy lifestyle, providing personalized and detailed information,essentially a “virtual” nutritionist. As is known in the art, ingeneral, for a normal, healthy person with no particular foodsensitivities (e.g., allergies, intolerances, etc.), no one food, aloneor consumed in moderation, will have a significant negative impact on aconsumer. However, chronic consumption or a steady diet of particularfoods can lead to a diet having negative or health impact. The virtualnutritionist feature can help to educate consumers in this regard andcan further construct diet plans that help maintain a healthy lifestylethat is not unnecessarily restrictive.

[0178] In one such embodiment, a database is created having thenutritional content for most foods, including any type of common foods,gourmet foods, exotic foods and so forth. These foods can be groupedinitially in any manner, such as by countries, regions, ethnic groups,and so forth, and additionally or alternately be grouped in any othersuitable manner, using the technology that provides the recommendationsherein and as detailed in the U.S. application Ser. No. 09/699,622,supra. In this way, the foods are put in an appropriate format forsorting and managing. In one embodiment, foods are grouped in more thanone manner, such as generically and/or by brand name. In one embodiment,fast foods are grouped together. In other embodiments, foods are groupedgenerically and/or by brand name according to the pyramid groupings usedby the United Stated Department of Agriculture.

[0179] A consumer can then input information into the system about thefoods they are currently eating or perhaps would like to eat, what foodis currently in the pantry, cupboard, and/or refrigerator, and so forth.Essentially the consumer can provide information as to the types offoods they like to eat, how often they eat, activity level, healthconcerns, and so forth, thus generating their own personal “nutritionaland health profiles.” Using the database together with the customizedfood product builder described herein, this information can be analyzedand interpreted to output specific recommendations for this particularuser. For example, the consumer can first be told about the level ofnutrition he is currently receiving from the foods he is ingesting(similar to tracking expenses for a certain period of time to identifywhere a person's money is going). The consumer can also be told whetheror not he is meeting minimum dietary requirements in any number ofareas. For example, it may be that he is ingesting twice the fat heshould be getting and/or only 30% of the fiber and 10% of the vitamins.Once this information is presented to the consumer, he can then seekhelp from within the site in planning appropriate menus and foods tomake sure he eats healthier (i.e., plan and follow a budget), byselecting a nutritionally appropriate diet based on the foods theindividual consumer prefers. For example, the consumer can be told toavoid eating certain foods, limit the intake of certain foods, and soforth. This feature essentially provides a diet plan customized to aconsumer's own personal eating regimen by using the consumer's ownpersonal commonly used foods.

[0180] Furthermore, by knowing what is in the consumer's home, advicecan include menu planning, which can further include grocery listpreparation. In one embodiment there is a link to on-line grocerystores. Such a service can be used in combination with any of thefeatures described herein, not only to improve a consumer's health andfitness, but to further enhance the consumer's on-line shoppingexperience. In an alternative embodiment, the information is given tothe consumer as a service in and of itself, and can be provided to theconsumer by any known means. In one embodiment, the information ispresented live in a chat room, via audiovisual material, and so forth.In another embodiment, the user interface is a telephone through which acomputer or live operator can take down the consumer's personalinformation, or the consumer can fill out a form and mail it in;virtually any known communications means can be used. The desired outputcan then be sent via mail, fax, e-mail, posting to the user's own homepage on the website, and/or any other known means. Further counselingsessions can occur using any known means for inputting and outputtinginformation.

[0181] The “create a new food product” page 424 shown in FIG. 7 providesone example of a page a user might encounter if he selects the “create anew food product” link 624. In this embodiment, the user is presentedwith three choices or paths, as noted above, Path “A” 431(Recommendation Path), Path “B” 433 (One Blend Only Path), Path “C” 435(Specialized Blends Path). In another embodiment, the user may bepresented with only two choices, such as a “create a new food product”choice and a “customize an existing food product” choice.

[0182] The example Web pages shown in FIGS. 8-9 are the screens or Webpages which would be seen by the on-line consumer if the RecommendationPath “A” 431 or the One Blend Only Path “B” 433 is selected. These Webpages seek to determine some basic information about the particularconsumer who will be eating the food product. This is to ensure that therecommended products meet the special needs of different categories ofconsumer.

[0183]FIG. 8, for example, shows one embodiment of the “who is thisfor?” page 426. In this embodiment, the user is asked to enter the nameof the person who will be eating the food product into box 801. In oneembodiment, this can be just a single word, such as a person's first,middle or last name. If a person uses both the first and middle names,this can also be entered, as can the person's entire name or anyidentifier the shopper desires, although in most embodiments the totalnumber of characters will be limited. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8,the user is informed that this is the name that will appear on thepackaging. For example, if the name “Jimmy Miller” is entered into box801, the customized food product is personalized with this name. If thefood product is a cereal, for example, the outside of the cereal packagecan include the words “Jimmy Miller's Cereal.” In other embodiments,just one name is used, e.g., “Jimmy's Cereal,” or a two-part name, e.g.,“Laura Jean's” Cereal,” and so forth. The user also has the option, oncethe product is designed, to pick an additional unique title for thecereal, if desired, as described in FIG. 16. In an alternativeembodiment, the “who is this for?” page 426 can include other questions,such as questions relating to gender and age as described below in FIG.9.

[0184] Other questions designed to create a user profile can seek todetermine lifestyle issues such as family size, geographic location,family history, and so forth. Lifestyle issues can include, for example,an overall determination of the current stress level for the consumerbased on responses to a questionnaire on recent major life events,general responsibilities, work environment, and so forth, so that advicecan be offered as to how to improve general quality of life, reducestress, and so forth. Geographic location information can help themerchant provide the consumer with proper health and nutrition adviceduring the various seasons. General family history information can helpthe merchant provide the consumer with information relating to inheriteddiseases and possible preventive action the user can take. Questions asto preferred language can also be asked, with the user given the optionto view the website in the language of their choice, e.g., Spanish,French, German, etc. In an alternate embodiment, this option ispresented immediately to the consumer through a button or link availableon the “home/log-in” page 402.

[0185]FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the “about me” page 428 in whichthe user is asked to identify the gender 903, age 905, known foodallergies 907, serving size preference 909, special diets 911 andpreferred packaging form 913 for the intended recipient of thecustomized food product. In other embodiments, additional and/oralternate information is sought. The information can be provided by theuser by clicking on the appropriate buttons or links. In an alternativeembodiment, information is typed in or entered by any other known meansor combination of means as discussed herein.

[0186] In a preferred embodiment, an additional precaution for thosewith diabetes is also noted. In one embodiment, it is suggested that adiabetic consult with a registered dietician for an individualized foodplan.

[0187] Section 907 of FIG. 9 provides one example of a list of foodsthat the user can choose from to indicate that he needs to avoid them.In this embodiment, the choices are peanuts, other nuts, e.g., almonds,pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, dairyproducts. The user can also indicate that he has no food allergies oradverse reactions. Preferably the user is required to mark at least onebox in this section before proceeding to the next Web page.

[0188] In other embodiments additional or fewer categories can beincluded. Such additional categories can include, but are not limitedto, fish, corn, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, and so forth.In one embodiment, subcategories are also given. For example, a consumermay not be allergic to all fish, but just to one particular group, suchas shellfish, or a specific kind of seafood, such as shrimp.

[0189] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that notevery reaction to a food is an allergy,” although it is still a foodthat the consumer may wish or need to avoid for any number of reasons.Such reactions can include any type of intolerance for any reason, dueto lack of a particular enzyme, for example. Many athletes avoidcarbonated beverages in order to improve performance. The adversereaction may also be dose related, such that the consumer can tolerate acertain level of this food during one period of time with no adverseeffects. Various non-allergic adverse systemic reactions can includesymptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, bloating, heart palpitations,migraine headaches, breast tenderness, hyperactivity, and so forth.Excess use of some foods, such as teas, which contain tannic acid, areconsidered by some to be related to an increased incidence of bladderinfections.

[0190] In one embodiment, there is a place for the user to type in aname of a particular food, such as corn, which that user knows to havean adverse affect on him or perhaps on his child. If desired, the usercan specify that all products associated with corn, for example, beavoided, which would include any ingredients or additives that containany corn by-products, sweeteners with corn syrup, and so forth. Theperson can also be given the option to seek information on alternatewords for the same food in order to ensure it is being avoided in allfood products, or limited, as intended. For example, some consumers maynot realize that terms such as dextrose, maltodextrose, dextrin andmodified corn starch, all refer to corn by-products. As a result, theymay be unknowingly providing this to their child or ingesting thisthemselves, when, in fact, they should be avoiding it. Additionalinformation can also be provided in a link located near each term on thewebsite or the term itself can be a link to additional information. Inone embodiment, a pop-up box appears when the mouse cursor is placedover a particular word or nearby link. For example, if a consumerselects caffeine, but not chocolate, as a possible food to avoid, apop-up box can appear providing information that chocolate also hascaffeine and asking the user to consider whether chocolate should alsobe avoided. In one embodiment, there are links to other, more detailedsources of information.

[0191] Perhaps the person believes himself to be lactose intolerant. Inthis embodiment, the person may select the “no dairy products” option,when, in fact, they only need to avoid or limit milk sugar and not milkprotein fractions or milk fat fractions. In one embodiment, the user canbe provided with additional information or links to additionalinformation, as noted above, to clarify which products actually containlactose. For example, it is a common misconception that all dairyproducts contain lactose, when in fact some fermented dairy products andbutter do not contain problematic levels of lactose. In this way, theuser can be guided to not unnecessarily avoid certain food products. Theperson can also be quizzed as to the reason for selecting various diets,to ensure that the consumer is fully and accurately informed as to theneed for such diets, as well as the possible ramifications for being onsuch a diet. For example, for the person who chooses the “no dairyproducts” option, special information can be given, particularly forfemales, of the need to seek calcium from other sources. Likewise, aconsumer seeking a “contention s” diet, such as a high protein, highfat, low carbohydrate diet, may be offered a range of opinions andinformation on the relative merits and risks of this type of diet.

[0192] Any appropriate ranges and sizes can be offered as an individualserving in order to better meet the nutritional needs of the individualconsumer. The serving size preference 907 selections in the embodimentof FIG. 9 are shown below in Table 1. In a preferred embodiment, anadditional precaution for those with diabetes is also noted. TABLE 1INDIVIDUAL SERVING SIZE CHOICES Small (for Medium (for moderate smallappetites) appetites) About 1 cup 1-1 ½ cups About 1 ¾ ounces About 2ounces 120-180 calories 180-250 calories Large (for hearty Extra Large(for cereal appetites) lovers!) 1 ½-1 ⅞ cups 1 ⅞-2 ¼ cups About 3 ouncesOver 3 ounces 250-320 calories 320-400 calories

[0193] Various special diets can also be accommodated in order to bettermeet the nutritional needs of the individual consumer. The exemplaryspecial diets noted in the special diet section 911 in FIG. 9 are shownbelow in Table 2. TABLE 2 INDIVIDUAL SERVING SIZE CHOICES No specialdiet Diabetic Vegetarian Low cholesterol, low fat Low/No SaltAthlete-in-training (high carbohydrate) Weight Watchers ®/Jenny Atkins ®Craig ®

[0194] As FIG. 9 shows, the user can also be given the opportunity toselect the preferred packaging form 913, such as a bowl, pouch or box(See FIGS. 23A-23C). In another embodiment there are fewer or moreoptions, such as just a bowl or a pouch.

[0195] The example Web pages shown in FIGS. 10-16 are the screens or Webpages which would be seen next by the on-line consumer who is on theRecommendation Path “A” 431 (from FIG. 7). Essentially, theRecommendation Path “A” 431 allows a fully customized product to bedeveloped for a user based on their responses to a survey that caninclude questions pertaining to health concerns and/or conditions, tastepreferences, and so forth, as well as lifestyle issues, stressmanagement issues, and so forth. Depending on the responses given by theconsumer, the recommended customized food products can focus on oremphasize certain areas. For foods such as cereals, for example,customization can be accomplished by adding new flavors, vitamins,minerals, soy nuts, fiber, fruits, and so forth, to known cereals,favorite cereals or an entirely new cereal can be created from scratch.

[0196] In one embodiment, all of the recommendations focus on aparticular area, such as health, taste, a balance of health and taste,or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the user is presentedwith a number of recommendations, each emphasizing a different area. Ina specific embodiment, the user is presented with one choice in eachparticular area, such as one healthy choice, one tasty choice and onebalanced choice. Essentially, the surveys described to this point useindirect or inductive reasoning, i.e., proceeding from particular factsto a general conclusion. In one embodiment, however, an “inferential”survey based on inferential reasoning is used, i.e., proceeding fromgeneral premises to a necessary and specific conclusion. Such aninferential survey can be used, for example, to determine tastepreferences, i.e., to determine, by inference, qualities and/or tasteattributes the consumer enjoys. In such a survey, various “diagnostic”questions are asked from which formulation information can be inferred.For example, rather than having the consumer select specific categoriesor additives (i.e., determining general preferences based on particularfacts), the consumer is asked if he or she enjoys spicy foods, Chinesefoods, chocolate, sweets, and so forth (i.e., determining specificpreferences based on general information). In this way, a customizedfood product can be developed that can meet the special tastes of eachconsumer.

[0197] In one embodiment, a cautionary statement can also be given inorder to clarify the extent of services that the Web site offers. Anexemplary cautionary statement might read, “The Personal Health andTaste Profile questions have been developed to customize a food productto your unique needs and preferences. Your responses to these questionswill be used to individualize a food product specifically for yourdietary regimen. Individualized food products are not intended todiagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. If you have adisease or health-related condition, consult a health professional.” Inother embodiments, such a cautionary statement can also or alternativelyappear elsewhere, such as on the “home/log-in” page 402 (FIG. 5) or anyother Web page.

[0198] In one embodiment, a general overview of the reasoning behindasking such questions is given. An exemplary overview statement mightread, “Healthy and delicious. With all these options, you can have both.Tell us about all the flavors and textures <NAME> (from FIG. 8, 801)likes most. We'll develop blends using different combinations of theingredients you choose. We hope you find one that's perfect for you.Click on any ingredient below to see its picture and description.”

[0199] In order to determine taste preferences, detailed information canbe sought as to a variety of topics, depending on the food product to becustomized. In one embodiment, a series of categories is presented fromwhich the user can select all that apply. With cereal, for example,questions can be asked as to cereal preferences, including form,ingredients, flavors, additives and sweetness levels.

[0200] An exemplary “ingredient” list for a customized cereal productmight include wheat, soy, corn, multi-grain, rice oats and bran. Anexemplary “flavor” list might include natural (toasted), honey, honeyand nuts, cinnamon, chocolate, frosted, fruit flavors and nutty flavors,as well as examples of flavors noted in the definition section herein.An exemplary “additives” list might include particulates, such asraisins, walnuts, raisin nuts, pecans, almonds, yogurt chips,blueberries, banana chips, apple chunks, strawberries, cranberries, darkchocolate, macadamia nuts, milk chocolate, coconut, peaches,raspberries, apricots, honey nut clusters, malted milk balls,marshmallow bits, tropical fruit and chocolate raisins, as well asexamples of additives noted in the definition section herein. Anexemplary “sweetness level” list might read, “not at all,” “onlyslightly sweet,” moderately sweet, “very sweet,” “show me a range.” Inanother embodiment, alternative descriptive language is used and caninclude more precise language. In yet another embodiment, the categoriesare grouped differently. For example, fruit particulates, includingdried or freeze-dried fruits can be included in a separate category (SeeFIG. 10B, 1008, for example).

[0201] FIGS. 10A-10C provide one example of how taste preferences for acereal product can be determined. As shown in Web page 430A (FIG. 10A),there is a “cereal flakes” section 1002 and a “cereal puffs and rings”section 1004. Web page 430B (FIG. 10B) has an “other cereal forms”section 1006 and a “fruits” section 1008. Web page 430C (FIG. 10C) has a“nuts” section 1010 and a “clusters/add-ins” section 1012. In eachinstance, the user is invited to select as many options as they wouldlike to in each section, e.g., by clicking on more than one button.

[0202] In one embodiment, an exemplary brand name is provided togetherwith the form to help the consumer better identify the named form. Forexample, the term “puffs” can be followed by “e.g., Kix®,” the term“rings” can be followed by “e.g., Cheerios®.” Similarly, the term“strings” can include “e.g., Fiber One®,” the term “sweet treats,” caninclude, “e.g., Trix®, Lucky Charms®, or Cocoa Puffs®,” and so forth.(In the examples contained herein, all of the brand names given areowned by the Assignee, General Mills, Inc. in Minneapolis, Minn.). Otheradditional terms can also be used, such as the familiar term, “shreddedwheat” following “shreds.”

[0203] In this example, the “cereal flakes” section 1002 shown in FIG.10A, include bran flakes, cocoa corn flakes, corn flakes, multi-grainflakes, oatmeal flakes, soy flakes, frosted corn flakes, sweetened soyflakes, frosted wheat flakes and whole grain wheat flakes, although theinvention is not so limited. As noted above, different and/or additionalcategories for forms may be included, e.g., strings, sweet treats, andso forth.

[0204] The exemplary “cereal puffs and rings” section” 1004, also shownin FIG. 10A includes apple cinnamon oat-rings, fruit flavored cornpuffs, fruit flavored corn rings, fruit flavored rice puffs, cinnamoncorn stars, cocoa corn puffs, cocoa rice puffs, corn puffs, honey nutoat rings, maple flavored corn puffs, multi-grain rings, oat and soyrigs, oat rings, peanut butter & cocoa corn puffs, rice puffs, sweetenedcorn puffs, sweetened oat puffs, frosted oat rings, sweetened oat & soyrings and sweetened wheat puffs, although the invention is not solimited.

[0205] The exemplary “other cereal forms” 1006, shown in FIG. 10B,includes toasted cinnamon multi-grain squares, cinnamon graham squares,corn squares, high fiber bran shreds, honey nut multi-grain squares,honey graham squares, multi-bran squares, multi-grain granola,multi-grain muselix, rice squares, wheat biscuits, wheat nuggets andwheat squares, although the invention is not so limited.

[0206] The exemplary “fruits” section 1008, also shown in FIG. 10B,notes that all fruits are dried or freeze-dried and includes appleslices, raisin apple prune bits, banana bits, cinnamon apple slices,coconut bits, cranberry bits, golden raisins, mango bits, peach bits,whole cranberries, pineapple bits, raisin date bits, raisins, raspberrybits, strawberry bits, sweetened date bits, toasted coconut bits, wholeblueberries and whole cherries, although the invention is not solimited.

[0207] The exemplary “nuts” section 1010, shown in FIG. 10C, includesalmond coated raisins, almond slices, chopped hazelnuts, chopped pecans,chopped roasted macadamia nuts, chopped walnuts, dried fruit and nutblend, sugar-coated sliced almonds, honey roasted soy nuts, roasted soynuts, although the invention is not so limited.

[0208] The exemplary “clusters/add-ins” section 1012, also shown in FIG.10C, includes banana nut clusters, maple nut clusters, chocolateflavored marshmallow bits, dinosaur shaped rice puffs, oat clusters,sweetened nut clusters marshmallow bits, although the invention is notso limited. In other embodiments a variety of uniquely shapedclusters/add-ins are available, such as other animal shapes, e.g., polarbears.

[0209] In one embodiment, the survey continues with questions pertainingto health issues and concerns, in which information on specific healthconditions is sought. A statement preceding the choices can note thatfamily history of a particular health problem may indicate a higher riskof developing that health problem and may provide a good reason to beconcerned about it. The next screen for the user on the CustomizationPath “A” 431 (See FIG. 4), is the “my health” page 432, as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B.

[0210]FIGS. 11A and 11B provide one example of how health issues can beaddressed. As shown in Web page 432A, there is a “general healthconcerns” section 1102 and “food supplements” section 1104. As shown inWeb page 432B, there is a “just for women” section 1104, “lifestyle”section 1106 and “eating habits” section. In each instance, the user isagain invited to select as many options as apply or, in some instances,click the appropriate button to indicate “yes” or “no,” or perhaps toindicate a particular range.

[0211] In this example, the “general health concerns” section 1102 shownin FIG. 11A includes colon cancer, constipation/desire extra fiber,diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood pressure, high bloodcholesterol, heart disease or coronary artery disease, arthritis, weightloss/weight management, high blood cholesterol or heart disease,electrolyte loss (diarrhea, athletic training, etc.), energy,osteoporosis or bone health, pregnant or nursing, menopause, digestiveproblems, frequent colds or influenza, migraine headaches, memory loss,insomnia and none of the above, although the invention is not solimited. In an alternative embodiment, additional health conditions arecovered and/or additional details as to these particular healthconditions are also sought. For example, digestive problems can includeseparate categories for particular problems such as irritable bowelsyndrome, acid reflux disease, and so forth. The “osteoporosis or bonehealth” category can also include categories such as weak teeth and/orcan refer instead to concerns pertaining specifically to calciumdeficiency. Again, alternative embodiments can include the option totype in additional information.

[0212] In another alternative embodiment, more detail as to the contentsin the final product is given, depending on the category chosen. Table 3provides examples for a few health concerns. TABLE 3 CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTSFOR PARTICULAR HEALTH CONCERNS We will create one or more cereals forHealth Concern you that contain. . . High Blood Cholesterol/ Solublefiber from oats, antioxidant Heart Disease vitamins C and E, vitamin B6,folic acid, vitamin B12. Limit sugar/carbohydrate content. High BloodPressure Soluble fiber from oats, antioxidant vitamins C and E, vitaminB6, folic acid, vitamin B12. Colon Cancer Fiber, antioxidant vitamins Cand E Constipation/Desire Fiber, and other important nutrients ExtraFiber Diabetes Fiber, antioxidant vitamins C and E, vitamin B6, folicacid, vitamin B 12. Osteoporosis Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, vitaminC Pregnant or Nursing Fiber, high levels of B vitamins, antioxidantvitamins C and E Menopause Fiber, high levels of B vitamins, antioxidantvitamins C and E. Energy Fiber, antioxidant vitamins C and E, B- complexvitamins, magnesium, zinc.

[0213] The “food supplements” section 1104 shown in FIG. 11A includesprenatal vitamins, other (specify), herbal supplements (specify) andmultivitamins, although the invention is not so limited. The necessarydetails can be supplied by typing in the appropriate information in adata entry field. Again additional and/or alternate categories can beused.

[0214] The “just for women” section 1106 shown in FIG. 11B includesquestions regarding health issues unique to women. This section caninclude questions that may not have already been asked, such as in the“general health concern” section 1102. In this embodiment, a “yes” or“no” button is selected as to whether the consumer is currently pregnantor trying to become pregnant, lactating, or experiencing any symptoms ofmenopause, although the invention is not so limited. Alternately, the“just for women” section 1106 can be used as a supplement to thequestions addressed in section 1102, such that an affirmative responseto a question regarding women's health can link the user directly tothis section to supply further details. For example, if the user hasindicated in section 1102 that she is pregnant or nursing, the “just forwomen” section 1106 can have questions designed to learn more about thepregnancy, i.e., number of weeks, first pregnancy or not, pastmiscarriages, and so forth.

[0215] In another embodiment, there is a special “just for men” sectionasking questions unique to men's health, “just for infants,” “just fortoddlers,” “just for children”, “just for teenagers,” “just for youngadults,” “just for athletes,” “just for diabetics,” and so forth.

[0216] The “lifestyle” section 1108 also in FIG. 11B seeks yes or noanswers as to whether or not the user exercises at least three times aweek, is a serious athlete, and/or smokes, although the invention is notso limited. Again, alternative embodiments can explore this type ofinformation in greater detail and also seek information on other aspectsregarding lifestyle.

[0217] The “eating habits” section 1110 also shown in FIG. 11B asks theuser how many servings of certain foods are eaten each day. The user isalso asked how many servings of particular foods are eaten per day. Inthis example Web page, the user can select a button for “zero (0) or one(1),” another button for “two (2) or three (3),” and another button formore than four “(4+)” servings. The particular foods listed include:calcium-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, “cereals, breads and grains,”and “meat and eggs.” In an alternative embodiment, other choices as totypes of foods and/or number of servings are used. There can also be alink to more information to help the user determine what constitutes a“serving,” what foods contain certain elements, e.g., calcium, and soforth.

[0218] After completion of the above-described survey, the user canproceed to the “multiple recommendations” pages 434A and 434B as shownin FIGS. 12A and 12B. In another embodiment, completion of the surveyresults in a survey summary, such as a “your nutrition information”page. In one embodiment, this information can be accessed from any pageand in one embodiment is included on “my home page” 410 described abovein FIG. 6.

[0219] Such a statement might read:

[0220] SURVEY SUMMARY:

[0221] “Customizing a food products for your specific health needsdepends on how much information we have. At present we only know you area man in a particular age group. Knowing this, we would formulate foodproducts for you that would:

[0222] Provide a good basic level of vitamin and mineral nutrition.

[0223] Provide lasting energy by incorporating complex carbohydrates,B-vitamins and soy protein. Your ability to respond well to stress mayalso be improved by these nutrients.

[0224] Maintain a healthy immune system with Vitamins C and E,beta-carotene, zinc and selenium.

[0225] Maintain healthy blood pressure by avoiding excessive salt. Arecent study also suggests that getting plenty of Vitamin C can helpmaintain lower blood pressure.

[0226] Reduce the risk of colon cancer by being a good source ofinsoluble fiber. There is some scientific evidence that Vitamins A and Emay also help.

[0227] Reduce the risk of heart disease by avoiding excessive salt andfat, and by providing a good source of soluble oat fiber. There is someevidence that Vitamins E, C, B₆, B₁₂ and folic acid may be helpful.”

[0228] Obviously, the type of information provided will varyconsiderably, depending on the user's responses and also as a functionof advances in nutritional science and medicine. Specifically, thenutrition information in the “survey summary” can be updated as newstudies become available regarding known treatments for various diseasesand/or preventative medicine. In alternative embodiments, more or lesscustomized nutritional information and suggestions are provided. Assuch, the merchant can customize as much as possible based on theinformation provided, i.e., if the merchant only knows the consumer'sgender, the merchant can provide information and a customized foodproduct having a gender-oriented health profile, such as higher calciumand iron for a woman. If more information is provided by the user, i.e.,concern about heart disease, and so forth, other components, bothmicronutrients and macronutrients, for example, can be added or reducedas needed. In one embodiment, the consumer need only complete the surveyonce, or alternatively, the survey can remain current for a period oftime before it expires. In this way, the user does not have to completethe survey every time they log on to the website to place a customizedorder. In one embodiment, the merchant server prompts the user to updatehis survey after expiration of a period of time, e.g., update maritalstatus, health concerns, and so forth. In one embodiment, the consumerdoes not need to update age information, as this is automaticallyupdated each time he logs on, based on a previously-provided date ofbirth. In another embodiment, the merchant advises the consumer that hisprofile will be deleted if there is no usage after a certain period oftime, e.g., 12-18 months.

[0229] In one embodiment, the survey summary and other informationdescribed above can periodically be sent via e-mail to the user, ifdesired. In an alternative embodiment, the information can be sent viaany means, such as via facsimile, mailed in hardcopy form, and so forth.In one embodiment, there is a link to other health information, such asthe “what's new?” page 428 noted in FIG. 4, that provides links to otherhealth-related sites, chat rooms, Web site news and updates, and soforth, as described above.

[0230] In one embodiment, the user proceeds to a “multiplerecommendations” page (434A and 434B), i.e., FIGS. 12A and 12B, as notedabove. In this example, there is a custom blend one 1202, custom blendtwo 1204 shown in FIG. 12A and a custom blend three 1206 shown in FIG.12B. In other embodiments, fewer than three choices are given, such astwo or one, for example, if the user indicated so few taste preferencesthat it was not possible to create three or even two different choices.In one embodiment, the merchant can choose one or more components thatmay not be the consumer's first choice, but closely approximate thefirst choice, i.e., “related” components. In this way, the taste andhealth needs of the consumer are still being met, but the merchant hasmore flexibility with regard to the components in order to best meetconflicting needs, i.e., conflicting health and taste needs, andoptimize taste and health needs. Other reasons may include the abilityto ultimately provide a superior product, lower cost product, producthaving a faster delivery time based on component availability, and soforth. For example, mueslix can be substituted for granola, bran flakesmight be substituted with whole grain wheat flakes, and so forth.components that, i.e., “related” components, e.g., substituting muselixfor granola (In one embodiment, however, the concept of “cousin numbers”is used in the software that drives the Web site to produce additionalrecommendations. “Cousin numbers” describe various properties of theingredients that make up the customized food product. In this way, themerchant can change serving sizes, for example, without makingappreciable changes in product identity and fortification levels).

[0231] The “fully customized recommendations” page 434A can also includea brief summary indicating what steps the user can take at this pointand/or including reasoning behind the selections being offered. Anexemplary statement might read, “Here are the cereals you've created.Because you checked high blood pressure and diabetes, we're recommendingone or more cereals with soluble fiber from oats, antioxidant vitamins Cand E, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12. If you're happy with yourcereal, you can save it by clicking ‘Save This Cereal (and add to MyBasket)’ below the recommendation.” Other information might includespecial cautionary statements with respect to certain contents. Forexample, the statement in FIG. 12B reads, “Some of our fruits maycontain sulfites. If concerned, please click on “Complete Nutrition” forthe blend you select.”

[0232] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, each blend or recommended foodproduct can be identified in any number of ways, such as by its primaryingredients 1201. The description can further include an allergenstatement 1203, noting if the product contains any potential allergens.In another embodiment, content information is also provided with respectto foods this consumer may have an adverse reaction to, according totheir own survey. Each blend can further include nutrition highlights1205 as shown. For each of the choices given, the user can choose a“save this cereal/and add to my basket” link 1244. This link essentiallyallows the user to add the selected product to his basket or shoppingcart as is. When this action is taken, the user is sending a request tothe merchant server to add the item to a “shopping cart.” Other linksinclude a “detailed ingredients/nutrition panel” link 128, “modifycereal” link 1240 (i.e., customize further) and a “pricing” link 1246,although the invention is not so limited. Other links, shown in FIG.12B, include a “compare cereals' nutrition” link 1236 (FIG. 13) and a“start over” link 1210, which, in one embodiment, takes the user back tothe “create a new food product” page 410 described in FIG. 7. Additionalchoices can also be provided on subsequent Web pages, which can beviewed by clicking on the “see more choices” link 1234 shown in FIG.12B. In one embodiment, the user can choose to view up to threeadditional choices at a time.

[0233] The sample Web pages 434A and 434B shown in FIGS. 12A and 12Bprovide recommendations for cereals and cereal blends that are designedto match the nutritional and taste preferences of the user, i.e., acustomized cereal “solution.” As noted above, however, similarrecommendations can be provided for virtually any type of food product,resulting in a nearly limitless number of “customized food products,” asdefined herein.

[0234] Aside from the sample customized cereals shown in FIGS. 12A and12B, other sample recommendations for cereals might include arecommendation for a “high protein fruit and nut blend” cereal. Adescription of this cereal might state that it is,

[0235] “a delicious combination of whole grain corn and wheat flakesmixed with crispy soy nuggets, macadamia nuts, sweet cranberries andtender pieces of dates. This cereal is a good source of soy protein andfiber and is fortified with 12 key vitamins and minerals in a blendoptimized for you.”

[0236] A “blueberry supreme cereal” might be described as,

[0237] “a delectable combination of multigrain shredded cereal mixedwith whole blueberries. Fortified with extra calcium and soy protein,this cereal is a good source of fiber, a good source of soy, and alsocontains twelve other vitamins and minerals in a blend optimized foryou.”

[0238] A “multi-grain cereal and nut blend” might be described as,

[0239] “a delicious combination of whole grain corn and wheat Chex®mixed with crispy pieces of almonds and hazelnuts, all covered with adelicious clover honey coating. This cereal is an excellent source offiber and is fortified with 12 key vitamins and minerals in a blendoptimized for you.”

[0240] As FIGS. 12A and 12B show, the unique interactive system of thepresent invention results in a one-of-a-kind and highly personalizedmenu from which the consumer can select. The added options of being ableto learn additional information about the customized food product and/orto further customize the food product further enhance this uniqueselection process.

[0241]FIG. 13 is a sample Web page 438 that can be displayed when theuser selects the “ingredients/nutrition” link 1238 for custom blend one1202. As shown, a complete nutrition panel 1302, containing all theinformation the consumer is familiar with on conventional non-customizedfood products can be viewed.

[0242] If the user also or alternately prefers to compare therecommendations, he can click on the “compare “nutrition” link 1236 toview information, such as nutrition panels 1402, 1402 and 1406,side-by-side as shown in FIG. 14. In an alternative embodiment, theinformation is presented in table form, rather than as nutrition panels.In one embodiment, there is also a link to a comparison page in whichany of the recommended customized food products can be compared with oneor more competitor's products. In another embodiment, there is acomparison to one or more known product of the merchant's, with whichthe consumer is familiar.

[0243] For example, the “high protein fruit and nut blend” describedabove might be compared with a shredded wheat food product made by themerchant and/or a competitor. Such a comparison might reveal that otherthan also being a whole grain food product, the shredded wheat productin this instance is lacking in several aspects as compared with thesuggested high protein fruit and nut blend. A specific statement mightstate, “The comparison product is not a multigrain food product andfurther does not contain cranberries, macadamia nuts, B-vitamins,vitamin C, soy flour, soy protein or soy protein isolate, calcium,vitamin A, vitamin D, selenium, chromium or zinc.”

[0244] Comparison information, such as information presented in tableform, can also include pull-down menus to allow the consumer to makeadjustments and modifications to their product at this point, in orderto further customize the food product to suit his particular needsand/or tastes. For example, the consumer can choose to keep or removecranberries, macadamia nuts and soy protein. In one example, theconsumer can further choose to reduce the B-vitamins, vitamin C, calciumand vitamin A to 25% or 50% of the present content. In alternativeembodiments, the consumer can keep, remove, add to or reduce ingredientsusing other proportions and percentages. In this embodiment, theconsumer is provided with only limited choices in order to avoidcreating a blend that is nutritionally incomplete or incompatible withregard to the ingredients or that fails rules set around “good taste” asis known in the art. (e.g., a spaghetti and chocolate combination,fish/cereal, etc.). Limiting choices also prevents creating combinationsof additives that are incompatible and are known to adversely interactwith each other during manufacture, packaging, distribution and/orstorage. In one embodiment, choices are limited in order to prevent theuser from inadvertently creating combinations that are currently ownedby a competitor.

[0245]FIG. 15 provides another example of how a consumer may choose tomodify his food product on a limited basis with the “modify” page 440.In this embodiment, the consumer can also select a unique name for theirchosen customized food product. In other embodiments, this step is savedfor the “save and name” page 442 as shown in FIG. 16. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 15, the “modify” page includes the ingredient list 1203from the “fully customized recommendations” page 434A (FIG. 12A), acurrent add-ins list 1503, an available add-ins list 1507, packaginginformation 1511 and a data-entry box 1513 for naming the food product,although the invention is not so limited.

[0246] The current add-ins list 1503 can be followed by a “removeadd-ins” link 1505, which the user can click on to remove a particularadd-in. Similarly, the available add-ins list 1507 can be followed by an“add” link 1509 which the user can click on to add a particular add. Inboth instances, the user can repeat these actions as many times asdesired, which in some instances may result in the same additive beingremoved and added back in and vice versa.

[0247] In this example, the consumer can also change packaging options1511 from the one previously selected on the “about me” page 428 (FIG.9) to another choice, e.g., from bowl to pouch. Once the consumer issatisfied with all of the changes, he can name the food product with aunique and distinctive name in the data entry box 1513. The name canperhaps be associated with a particular holiday, special occasion,favorite season, favorite vacation spot, or perhaps associated with ahobby, interest, sport, movie, music, career, or a humorous reference toa person who enjoys certain activities, etc., e.g., “Rocket Man's Fuel,”“Discus Thrower's Special Blend,” “Gardener's Variety Mix,” etc.Virtually any descriptive or non-descriptive name can be used. In oneembodiment, there are various filters, such as a filter to exclude knowntrademarks, offensive terms, number and type of characters, and soforth. The user can also be reminded here that the name entered in the“who is this for” page 426 (FIG. 8) will already be on the package,e.g., the outside label will contain the name, as described above.

[0248] Links to any other page can be given on the “modify” page 440. Inthe example shown in FIG. 15, there is a “save for later” link 1542, an“add to basket” link 1544, a “my home page” link 1510 (to FIG. 6), a“complete nutrition” link (to FIGS. 13A and 13B), a “cereal pricing”link 1546 and a “return to recommendations” link 1534 (to FIGS.12A-12C).

[0249] In FIG. 16 the user can save and name their product as describedin FIG. 15. The Web page 442 can also provide instructions, such as,“Now you can decide what you would like to name your custom food productblend. Just type in the name for your food product below. You need toname your food product in order to save it. Then, either add it to yourbasket for check out or save it for later (will appear in “My HomePage”) as well as the “recommendation” page. From this page, as noted inthe instructions, the user can click on the same links as shown in FIG.15.

[0250] After saving and naming the food product, the user can access theactual ordering interface in which the consumer can order by the unit orserving, or in terms of a number of weeks' supply. It is to beappreciated that the ordering information can be presented and theconsumer can click to transmit an order in any known way. Each customercan order more than one formula at a time, and the minimum order sizecan be established at any suitable amount, such as a one serving, oneday, one week, two week supply, and so forth. Additionally, eachhousehold may choose to order varied formulas for individual familymembers. Any additional product and/or ordering information can also beprovided to the consumer at this time and/or on any other page. In oneembodiment, there is an explanation given as to the serving sizes, suchas, “in order to ensure that the consumer receives exactly the rightamount of vitamins and minerals, the portion size is controlled by usingconvenient single-serving packages.”

[0251]FIG. 17 provides one example of an order interface with the “mybasket” page 444. In this example there is a “your order” section 1702,an “increase portion” section 1704, “address” section 1706, “paymentinformation” section, a “review privacy policy” link 1710, a “submitorder” link 1712, as well as a “start over” link 1714, although theinvention is not so limited.

[0252] In the “your order” section 1702 a summary of the order can begiven including, a food description (i.e., name and serving size),packaging type, quantity, price per serving and total price. Asingle-serve package in this example contains about 1½ cups of cereal.(In another embodiment, a range is given, such as 1½ to 1⅞ cups for a“large” portion, as shown in FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the price isshown to be $1.09 per single-serve package or bowl. This price might beappropriate for a customized food product containing fruits and nuts orother similar ingredients. Cereals with less of these types ofingredients may cost less. In one embodiment, additional premiumingredients, such as a premium nut, i.e., macadamia nuts, are availablefor a surcharge.

[0253] In this embodiment, the user can click to increase their portionto a larger size, such as two (2) cups by paying an additional amount,such as about $0.25 extra, as shown in section 1704. In otherembodiments, other larger or smaller sizes can also be ordered. In yetother embodiments, other last-minute changes and modifications can bemade at the “my basket” page 444. In yet other embodiments, the consumeris not given the option to make changes here, but is instead directed togo back to the survey to resubmit a different response to the questionon serving size (See FIG. 9) by clicking on the “start over” link 1714.The “your order” section 1702 also includes the total cost of the order,including any shipping and handling. Options for any type of expeditedshipping can also be given.

[0254] The “payment information” section 1708 can include information asto the type of payment accepted, such as all major credit cards. If theuser has a previously saved credit card, that can be used, or the usercan enter the particulars of another credit card. Additionally, anunconditional money-back guarantee on all products can also be givenhere or any other location or page. In one embodiment, paymentinformation is tied into third party shopping systems, e.g., Yahoo orAOL, such that the pertinent information (e.g., name, billing address,shipping address, credit card information, and so forth) is filled inautomatically for the consumer.

[0255] The user can then proceed to the “billing and shipping” page 446and a final checkout page 448 as is known in the art and described inFIG. 4. In other embodiments, the billing and shipping page 446 isskipped if the information is already known, and the user proceedsdirectly to a final checkout and thank you page. In one embodiment, theuser may also receive a promise for an e-mail delivery of a receipt fortheir order. After a short time period, as described herein, the userreceives the ordered product that has been custom designed just forthem.

[0256] The example Web pages shown in FIGS. 18-20 are the screens or Webpages that would be seen after Web page 428 (“about me”, FIG. 9) by theon-line consumer who is on the One-Blend Only Path “B” 433 (from FIG.7). Essentially, the One Blend-Only Path “B” 433 speeds up the selectingand ordering process described above by limiting the number of choicesand seeking answers to only a limited number of taste questions.However, the end result is a customized cereal designed especially forthis particular user who may not need or want to seek all the nutritionand health advice offered on the Recommendation Path “A” but does nothave a particular category in mind to follow the Specialized Blends Path“C.”

[0257] Again, it is not possible in all cases to completely removecertain ingredients unless a specific additive or base is removed, ifthe additive or base contains that ingredient. For example, if thecustomized food product is a cereal, any ingredients contained in thecereal base cannot be removed unless the base cereal itself (puffed foodproduct) is removed. If, however, the consumer desires to eliminate thisingredient, the option can be given to try another cereal base orcombination of cereal bases.

[0258] FIGS. 18A-18C provide exemplary “my taste preferences (2)” pages450A-450C, for the One Blend Only Path “B” which show variousingredients, i.e., additives, grouped in different categories, fromwhich a consumer can select to produce a single customized blend ofready-to-eat cereal. As noted above, this path, as well as the otherpaths described herein can also be used to select a customized blend ofvirtually any type of customized food product. However, as in otherembodiments, particular combinations are limited by health and taste“rules” or screens. In one embodiment, information is given to help theconsumer understand such restrictions.

[0259] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A, the special instructions1802 inform the consumer that he, “1) . . . may choose up to threecereal forms and three add-ins” and “2) Certain combinations ofingredients can get soggy. So, in the list below, ingredients in italicsmay not be combined with ingredients in bold and all caps. Ingredientsin lower case go with anything.” In another embodiment the ingredientsare color-coded to communicate the proper groupings. In mostembodiments, the software is designed to prevent the consumer fromaccidentally making improper combinations, e.g., if one or moreingredients from the “italics” group have been clicked and the user thenclicks on an ingredient “in bold and capital letters,” a pop-up menuappears to remind the consumer that this combination is not acceptable.

[0260] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A, the categories are cerealflakes 1804, cereal puffs and rings 1806, other cereal forms 1808,clusters/add-ins 1810, nuts 1812, fruits 1814 and brand name cereals1816. As FIGS. 18A-18C show there is a wide selection for the consumerto choose from and most ingredients can be combined, with the exceptionsclearly noted. For example, in this embodiment, none of the cereal puffsand rings 1806 can be combined with a number of the fruits, although theinvention is not so limited. Similarly, most of the other cereal forms,other than wheat biscuits and wheat nuggets are not suitable forcombining with these same fruits. However, all of the cereal flakeslisted, as well as many of the clusters/add-ins and nuts are combinablewith anything else on these pages. In one embodiment, familiar brandnames are used together with the generic terms noted above.

[0261]FIG. 19 provides an exemplary “One Blend Recommendation” page 435as described above. In this embodiment, the information given in the“your custom blend” section 1904 can be similar to the informationdescribed above for the multiple recommendations in FIGS. 12A and 12B.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 there is no option to modify further.However, in other embodiments, such as is shown in FIG. 4A, there is amodification feature available for the One Blend Only Path “B” 433, suchthat the user can proceed to the “modify” page 440 described above.

[0262] With the “click here to modify your favorite cereal” link 1811shown in FIG. 18C, the user can customize name brand cereals by choosingvarious additives on an “alternate modify” page 1816 as shown in FIG.20. In one embodiment, the additives are pre-screened as in the “modify”page 440 (FIG. 15) described above to avoid creating unacceptableblends. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the user can choose from awide selection of brand name cereals, together with a variety ofparticulates, including nuts, fruits and “sweet stuff” as shown insection 2108 of FIG. 21. In one embodiment, the consumer is requested tochoose 1, 2, or 3 cereals, although the invention is not so limited.Examples of these cereals include Cheerios®, Total®, Kix®, and so forth.The user can also be requested to choose between 0, 1, or 2 “nuts,fruits and sweet stuff,” and/or additional nutrients, although, again,the invention is not so limited. Additionally, the consumer can chooseto add either some “standard” vitamins and minerals, which consistessentially of conventional antioxidants and fractions of a recommenddaily allowance (e.g., ten (10)% RDA of all essential vitamins andminerals). The other vitamin and mineral choice might be a “personalizedblend,” as shown in FIG. 20, although a message associated with thisblend also states that the health and nutrition survey needs to becompleted first. In the embodiment described herein, the user would needto complete the survey presented in the Recommendation Path “A” 431(pages 11A-11B). As FIG. 20 shows, the consumer can also add 0, 1 or 2other nutrients, although the invention is not so limited. In thissample Web page, the choices for other nutrients include fiber (oatbran) clusters or soy protein clusters. After making his or herselection, the consumer can start over by clicking on the “clear”button. Alternately, the consumer can click on the “click here to savethis combination” button. Alternately, the consumer can click on the“click here to create another combination” button. If the “save” buttonhas already been clicked on, presumably the previous selection is savedand a fresh display is shown from which the consumer can customizeanother cereal or alternately, proceed to order and purchase thecustomized food product that has been designed.

[0263] Finally, FIG. 21 is the Web page the user will see who hasselected the “Specialized Blends Path “C” 435 at the “create a new foodproduct” page 424 described in FIG. 7. This path essentially providesfor “niche” marketing over the Internet. Path “C” may be appropriate forsomeone who knows he has heart disease and simply wants to be shown whatoptions are available to help with this condition. In this way, theconsumer is still designing his own customized food product by selectingwhich category of previously-designed customized food products topursue. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the user can choose to furthermodify the previously-designed customized food products, (e.g., add afavorite taste ingredient to a Heart Healthy Specialized Blend, etc.),thus further enhancing the customization already offered in theSpecialized Blends Path “C” 435.

[0264] After making his selection, the user can be greeted with aninvitation to “choose your favorite category” 2102. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 21, the text reads, “In a hurry? Know what health or tasteareas you want to focus on? Perhaps you would like to see our favoriteblends, our customer's favorite blends or your favorite celebrity'sblend? We'll give you up to three offerings in the category of yourchoice. You decide what is best for you!”

[0265] Any number and type of specialized blends can be included. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 21, the categories are health 2104, taste 2106and favorites 2108. Exemplary health categories 2104 include, but arenot limited to, weight management, energy, heart health, diabetichealth, digestive health, children's health, pregnant/nursing,antioxidant blends, high fiber blends, soy protein blends, vegetarian'schoice, and athlete's blends. Exemplary taste categories 2106 includechocolate lover's delight, crazy for nuts, although the invention is notso limited. Exemplary favorites categories 2108 include celebritychoice, people's choice, our favorites, and modify your favorite cereal,although the invention is not so limited.

[0266] For the “celebrity choice” category in section 2108, productchoices/taste preferences of celebrities, such as athletes, musicians,actors, etc., can be displayed with or without specific personalendorsements.

[0267] After making a selection, the user proceeds, in one embodiment,to a page having information provided in the exemplary “specializedblends recommendation” pages 458A-458D shown in FIGS. 22A-22D. Statement2202 on exemplary page 458A states: “Heart Health—Because you checkedHeart Health, we've shown you one or more cereals with soluble fiberfrom oats, antioxidant vitamins C and E, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitaminB12.” Statement 2204 on exemplary page 458B states, “Energy—Because youchecked Energy, we've shown you one or more cereals with fiber,antioxidant vitamins C and E, B-complex vitamins, magnesium, zinc.”Statement 2206 on exemplary page 458C states, “Weight Management—Becauseyou checked Weight Management, we've shown you one or more cereals withfiber, antioxidant vitamins C and E, B12 vitamins, and we have limitedyour calories, fat and carbohydrate exchanges.” Statement 2208 onexemplary page 458D states,” Taste Treats—Great tasting with wonderfulnutrition-what could be better? Your hardest decision is which one topick!” After viewing and making their selection, the user proceeds asdescribed above with saving, paying and checking out. In someembodiments, the name of the customized food product can be changed bythe user, just for his own personal use, although the name on the Website would remain as given.

[0268] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, theinteractive and personalized nature of the present invention providesthe consumer with “economic choice.” In some instances, it may beimportant to budget and obtain the best value for the lowest cost. Atother times, the same consumer may wish to “splurge” and purchase aproduct with little or no regard as to cost. This allows the consumer topurchase not only customized food products for everyday use, but alsofor those special occasions when the customized food product is to begiven as a gift or in celebration of an event. This is unlike othersystems in which the focus is to provide the product or service at thelowest cost, thus eliminating economic choice for the consumer. In oneembodiment, the survey described herein also asks questions pertainingto economic preferences.

[0269] In one embodiment, the website also contains such a variety offood products that can be customized, as to essentially provide themeans by which to customize a consumer's entire daily food intake. Inthis way a sufficient type and amount of customized food products can beselected, ordered and distributed so as to provide all the requireddaily allowance of nutrients for a particular individual. Menus can alsobe developed and customized to provide enhanced organoleptic benefitsfrom a variety of customized foods. Further, by using the “virtualnutritionist/dietician” concept, a personalized menu can be developedwhich uses conventional prepared foods and/or ingredients that arereadily available in conventional retail establishments, e.g., stores,restaurants, and so forth, as defined herein. As a result of the manyunique features of the present invention, it is now possible, for thefirst time, to design a food product, such as a cereal or snack, withthe form, flavor, extras, and nutrition that is “just right” for aparticular consumer.

[0270] In one embodiment, the website also contains a “feedback” area orpage. In this area, the consumer can rate or “score” a product as to anumber of factors, including, but not limited to how well it was liked,what might be changed, how it made them “feel,” and so forth. Writtencomments can also be given. Other consumers can then view thisinformation, thus creating a type of “group commentary.” A collection ofscores can be analyzed according to any suitable statistical means, withscores “averaged” in various ways, charted, graphed, and so forth. Inthis way the interactive nature of the process is further enhanced. Thistype of information can also be sent periodically to the user via anymeans, such as via e-mail, hardcopy, or can be posted on theirpersonalized “home” page.

[0271] In one embodiment, product choices collected over time are usedto suggest new products, flavors, modifications of current brand nameofferings sold through conventional channels of trade, e.g., grocerystore distribution.

[0272] The packaging itself is also an opportunity to convey additionalhealth and nutrition information to the consumer, as well as tasteinformation. In one embodiment, additional information on how thecustomized food product can meet the taste preferences of a particularconsumer is given, with less emphasis being placed on how the customizedfood product can meet the health and nutritional needs of a particularconsumer. In yet another embodiment, any type of “customized”information, can be included in the packaging the consumer receives withhis customized food product in the form of printed material. Thisinformation is relevant only to that consumer's needs, as the merchantunderstands them, and is a unique printout only for that consumer. Inone embodiment, a premium item is included with the package, such as acoupon, product sample or toy, appropriate for the consumer based uponthe information provided, e.g., a particular age, gender, health status,and so forth.

[0273] In some embodiments, customized packaging options can also beoffered. For example, as shown in FIG. 23A, a single-serving pouchpackage 2302 can be used. Alternatively a covered bowl single servingpackage 2304 can be used as shown in FIG. 23B. Alternatively, a box 2306type of packaging can be used as shown in FIG. 23C. In anotherembodiment, not shown, a beverage-type of package is used. In oneembodiment, the package contains a single serving. In anotherembodiment, the package is a consumer-sized box containing more than oneserving.

[0274] The various food products described herein can be supplemented byadding any type of additive. In one embodiment, the product shipped tothe consumer is a blended product such that all of the pieces of thecustomized food product, as well as any additional additives, have beenfinely ground and blended with a liquid or semi-liquid food product, toproduce any number of products. These can include, but are not limitedto, a chilled or semi-solid beverage (e.g., milk shake, malt, smoothie,etc.), or frozen novelty treat on a stick (e.g., dairy-based,fruit-based, including, for example, chocolate-type treats, with orwithout nuts, frozen candy bars, pies and cakes, and so forth, furtherincluding and any combination thereof), snack on a stick (e.g., corndog, etc.), and so forth. In another alternative embodiment, thecustomized food product is a blended food product, which includes meat.In yet another embodiment, the customized food product is virtually anytype of food product as defined above in the definition section.

[0275] In an alternative embodiment, puffable half-product pellets,together with any other selected additives, are shipped to the consumer,together with instructions on preparation, if necessary. Puffablehalf-products can be expanded or puffed by the consumer or at anysuitable location to produce a variety of foods, including, but notlimited to, cereals, cereal-based snacks and beverages, through exposureto a suitable energy source. The package can also include savorytoppings, and instructions on how to apply the toppings. The variousways of selecting, distributing and preparing half-products aredescribed in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/596,275, supra. Assuch, all of the above described embodiments which reference a “cerealbase” can be modified accordingly to instead use one or more“half-products.”

[0276] Additionally, whether ordering a customized finished cereal or acustomized half-product (or any other type of customized food product),the consumer can further customize as desired at home by adding variousflavorings, fresh particulates (e.g., sliced bananas, strawberries,dried fruits, nuts, and so forth), in addition to the conventionalproducts typically added to the food, e.g., milk and milk products aretypically added to cereal, and so forth. The consumer can further“finish” a customized food product in any manner, such as by cooking,baking, grilling, heating, puffing, popping, etc. For example if a hotcereal has been chosen as the customized food product, the consumer canheat it in the microwave prior to serving. Other products may need to bethawed, kept chilled, and so forth. Additionally, the consumer can grinda finished or freshly puffed cereal, as desired, to create any type ofgrain-based beverage, for example, or other chilled or frozen product athome.

[0277] Conclusion

[0278] The present invention provides a revolutionary new way in whichto select, order and deliver customized food products such as soups,salads, meats, cereals, cereal-based snacks, beverages, frozen products,entire meals, and so forth. With this process it is now possible tomanipulate a large number of variables in order to providecustomization. As a result, consumers now have the ability to selectfood products, customized for their own taste and health needs, usingdirect communication with a supplier.

[0279] In one embodiment, a convenient, easy-to-use, consumer friendlyInternet-based sales model is used. Such a model offers personalized,real-time communication. Furthermore, in addition to providing a uniqueand customized food product, the consumer also receives relevant anduseful nutrition and health information, including a customizednutrition label and ingredient listing. The mass customization strategyof the present invention allows consumers all over the world to select,order and enjoy their own customized food products without ever havingto leave home. This approach also allows the manufacturer to learn fromtheir consumers as to what varieties/foods are the most successful, inessence identifying new and emerging consumer needs. In turn, themanufacturer can offer new “mass-produced” products to even moreconsumers.

[0280] In one embodiment, the consumer can choose from a nearly infiniteselection of cereal and snack products ranging from healthy and lightsnacks to hearty meals. The resulting product has a high value to theconsumer in that it has been customized to their own particularrequirements, whether taste, health and/or nutrition, as compared withexisting food options. Still another advantage is that products can beprepared having very particular tastes and/or nutritional properties.For example, additives can be formulated with particular nutritionalfeatures such as enhanced vitamin, mineral, fiber or proteinfortification.

[0281] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purposemay be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This applicationis intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. Itis intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims,and the full scope of equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for selecting andordering a customized food product comprising: viewing a list of choicesdesigned to allow a consumer to design a customized food product; makinga selection from the list, the list having choices selected from thegroup consisting of customized food product choices, customized foodingredient choices, and customized food category choices, wherein theselection is determinative of the customized food product ordered; andtransmitting the selection wherein the customized food product isdesigned.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising modifying theselection prior to transmission of the selection.
 3. The method of claim2 wherein the selection is modified by accessing the list of customizedfood ingredient choices and adding or removing ingredients from thelist.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein access to the list of customizedfood ingredients choices is limited to certain ingredient choices. 5.The method of claim 1 comprising making a selection from the customizedfood category choices and transmitting the selection without anymodification to the selection.
 6. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising receiving the customized food product.
 7. The method of claim6 further comprising completing a survey, the survey designed todetermine one or more consumer preferences.
 8. The method of claim 7wherein the survey is inferential or inductive.
 9. The method as recitedin claim 8 wherein the one or more preferences comprise tastepreferences.
 10. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein the one ormore preferences relate to topics selected from the group consisting ofhealth concerns, diet requirements and lifestyle choices.
 11. The methodas recited in claim 8 wherein the one or more preferences relate totopics selected from the group consisting of serving size preference,product packaging preference and economic preference.
 12. The method asrecited in claim 6 wherein the preferences are communicated using acomputerized survey.
 13. The computerized method as recited in claim 12wherein the computerized survey is a web-based survey.
 14. Thecomputerized method of claim 6 further comprising receiving nutritionalinformation about the one or more customized food products.
 15. Thecomputerized method of claim 14 wherein the nutritional information isreceived on a customized nutritional label generated specifically forsaid customized food product.
 16. The computerized method of claim 6further comprising receiving advice received on a customized nutritionallabel generated for the customized food product.
 17. The computerizedmethod of claim 16 wherein the advice is located on an insert shippedwith the customized food product.
 18. The computerized method of claim 1further comprising first choosing a path selected from the groupconsisting of viewing and selecting customized food product choices,viewing and selecting customized food ingredient choices, and viewingand selecting customized food category choices.
 19. The method of claim7 wherein the customized food product contains a cereal base or ahalf-product, further wherein the survey asks questions regarding tastepreferences for at least one of grains, flavors, sweetness, nutrition,serving size, packaging, particulates, quantity, type and form.
 20. Themethod of claim 7 wherein personalized health and nutrition informationis provided in response to the completed survey.
 21. The method of claim1 further comprising identifying the selection with a unique code. 22.The method of claim 21 further comprising storing the unique code in amerchant database.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprisingmanufacturing the customized food product in a custom finishingfacility.
 24. The method of claim 1 wherein the customized foodingredient list includes additives selected from the group consisting ofsweeteners, nutrients, flavorings and particulates.
 25. A product madeaccording to the process of claim
 1. 26. A computer implemented methodcomprising the steps of: viewing a list of additives for creating acustomized food product; selecting one or more additives from the listof additives to create the customized food product; and transmitting arequest to purchase the customized food product.
 27. The method of claim26 further comprising receiving the customized food product.
 28. Themethod of claim 27 wherein the customized food product contains a cerealbase or a half-product.
 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising aconsumer completing a survey, using a computer, the survey havingquestions on health, nutrition, lifestyle and taste preferences, whereinthe list of additives is suggested by a merchant in response to acompleted survey.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the survey asksquestions regarding consumer preference for at least one of grains,flavors, sweetness, nutrition, serving size, packaging, particulates,quantity, type and form.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein theadditives are selected from the group consisting of sweeteners,nutrients, flavorings and particulates.
 32. The method of claim 30wherein health and nutrition information personalized for the consumeris provided by the merchant in response to the completed consumersurvey.
 33. The method of claim 24 further comprising: shipping one ormore food product components to the custom finishing facility from afood product component production facility; combining the one or morefood product components with previously-selected additives to create thecustomized food product according to information contained on the uniquecode; packaging the customized food product; and shipping the customizedfood product to the consumer or a distribution partner.
 34. The methodof claim 33 wherein the one or more food product components andpre-selected additives are combined in a sequential manner.
 35. Themethod of claim 33 wherein potential allergen additives are isolated inthe custom finishing facility.
 36. The method of claim 33 wherein theone or more food product components includes a cereal base orhalf-product.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the half-product isshipped to the custom finishing facility from a half-product productionfacility.
 38. The method of claim 36 wherein nutrients are attached tothe cereal base at the custom finishing facility using electrostaticattraction.
 39. A method of interactively selecting and ordering acustomized food product comprising the steps of: under control of aclient system, viewing information comprising a list of choices selectedfrom the group consisting of customized food additive choices,customized food product choices and customized food category choices;making a selection from the list of choices; and sending a request toorder the customized food product to a server system; under control ofthe server system, receiving the request; identifying the request with aunique code; and generating a purchase order for the customized foodproduct, the purchase order identified by the unique code.
 40. Themethod of claim 39 further comprising fulfilling the generated order tocomplete purchase of the customized food product.
 41. The method ofclaim 39 wherein the customized food product choices are suggested by amerchant in response to a survey completed by a consumer, the surveyhaving questions about at least one of health, nutrition, lifestyle andtaste preferences.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein the customizedfood ingredient choices include cereal bases and half-products.
 43. Amethod of creating a customized food product, comprising: providing aninteractive survey to a user, the interactive survey provided by amerchant; allowing the user to respond to the interactive survey;analyzing answers provided by the user to the interactive survey; and inresponse to the answers provided by the user, creating a customized foodproduct.
 44. The method of claim 43 further comprising the userselecting the customized food product from a list having customized foodproduct choices.
 45. The method of claim 43 further comprising the useradding or removing an ingredient from the list of customized foodingredient choices further customize the customized food product. 46.The method of claim 43 wherein the interactive survey is completed bytelephone, facsimile, mail or computer.
 47. The method of claim 46wherein completing the interactive survey by computer comprisesaccessing a Web site wherein the interactive survey is processed andresponded to by the merchant in real-time.
 48. A client system forselecting and ordering a customized food product, comprising: a displaycomponent for displaying a list having choices selected from the groupconsisting of customized food ingredient choices, customized foodproduct choices and customized food category choices; a selectioncomponent for selecting one or more choices from the list to create thecustomized food product; an ordering component that sends a request to aserver system to order the customized food product; and a shopping cartordering component that, in response to performance of anadd-to-shopping-cart action, sends a request to the server system to addthe item to a shopping cart.
 49. The system of claim 48 wherein thedisplay component is a browser.
 50. The system of claim 48 wherein thecustomized food product choices are suggested by a merchant in responseto a survey completed by a consumer, the survey having questions aboutat least one of health, nutrition, lifestyle and taste preferences. 51.A server system for generating an order comprising: a shopping cartordering component for adding a requested item to a shopping cart; adata storage medium for storing information for a plurality of usersusing a unique code for each order; a receiving component for receivingrequests to order a customized food product; and an order placementcomponent that retrieves the unique code from the data storage mediumand uses the information associated with the unique code to place anorder for the user identified by the unique code.
 52. The system ofclaim 51 further comprising an order fulfillment component thatcompletes a purchase of the customized food product in accordance withthe information associated with the unique code.
 53. A system forinteractively selecting and ordering a customized food product item,comprising: a health and taste survey component that, in response to aconsumer's answers, generates a suggested customized food product itemfor the consumer to select; and an ordering component that allows theconsumer to order the suggested customized food product item.
 54. Thesystem as recited in claim 53 comprising a delivery component thatdelivers the customized food product item to the consumer.
 55. Thesystem of claim 53 wherein the health and taste survey componentgenerates personalized health and nutrition information.
 56. A computerreadable medium having instructions stored thereon for causing acomputer to perform a method comprising: displaying a list of choicesdesigned to allow a consumer to create a customized food product;receiving one or more additive selections from the list of choices tocreate the customized food product; and transmitting a request topurchase the customized food product.
 57. A computer readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for causing a computer to perform amethod of creating a customized food product, the method comprising:providing electronically an interactive consumer survey; receivingresponses to the interactive consumer survey; providing recommended foodproducts, the recommended food products provided based on the responsesto the interactive consumer survey; receiving instructions to modifycomponents from the recommended food products to create a customizedfood product.
 58. The computer readable medium of claim 57 wherein themethod further comprises receiving an order for the customized foodproduct.
 59. A computer readable medium having instructions storedthereon for causing a computer to perform a method of selecting andordering a customized food product, the method comprising: displaying alist of choices for creating a customized food product; receiving aselection of one or more choices from the list of choices to create thecustomized food product; receiving an order for one of the customizedfood products; and sending a request to a server system to order thecustomized food product.
 60. The computer readable medium of claim 59wherein the method further comprises sending a request to the serversystem to add the item to a shopping cart.
 61. The computer readablemedium of claim 59 wherein the list of choices includes a list ofcustomized food product choices, further wherein the list of customizedfood product choices is limited as a result of receiving input from asurvey containing questions about health, nutrition, lifestyle and tastepreferences.
 62. The computer readable medium of claim 60 wherein thedisplaying is performed with a browser.
 63. In a computer system havinga graphical user interface including a display and a user interfaceselection device, a method of creating a customized food product from asurvey on the display, the method comprising: displaying, on thedisplay, an interactive consumer survey; receiving responses to theinteractive consumer survey, the responses received from a user throughthe user interface selection device; displaying, on the display,recommended food products containing a cereal base, the recommended foodproducts provided based on the responses to the interactive consumersurvey; receiving instructions to modify components from the recommendedfood products to create a customized food product, the instructionsreceived from the user through the user interface selection device. 64.In the computer system of claim 63, the method further comprisingreceiving an order for the customized food product, the order receivedfrom the user through the user interface selection device.
 65. A methodfor producing a nutrition and ingredient label comprising: using alook-up table having nutritional values for components, the componentsin a product; evaluating a nutritional contribution for each componentbased on component weight; computing a total weight for the components;and instructing a printer to create a label containing the nutritionalcontribution and total weight.
 66. The method of claim 65 whereincomponents are listed on the label in descending order based oncomponent weight.
 67. A computerized method of selecting a customizedfood product comprising the steps of: choosing a path selected from thegroup consisting of a recommendation path, a one blend only path and aspecialized blends path, wherein the recommendation path can include ahealth and nutrition survey; and viewing customized food products on therecommendation path or viewing and selecting customized food ingredientson the one blend only path or viewing and selecting a customized foodcategory on the specialized blends path.
 68. The computerized method ofclaim 67 further comprising performing additional customization of acustomized food product selected on the recommendation path.
 69. Thecomputerized method of claim 67 further comprising viewing and selectingone customized food product on the one blend only path, the onecustomized food product created in accordance with the customized foodingredients selected.
 70. The computerized method of claim 69 furthercomprising modifying the one customized food product.
 71. Thecomputerized method of claim 67 wherein a brand name cereal is modified.72. The computerized method of claim 67 further comprising viewing andselecting a customized food product on the specialized blends path. 73.The computerized method of claim 72 further comprising modifying thecustomized food product.
 74. The computerized method of claim 72 whereinthe customized food category is selected from the group consisting ofhealth categories, taste categories and favorites categories.
 75. Aproduct made according to the process of claim
 67. 76. A customized foodproduct designed by selecting from among ingredients, categories orpreviously-designed food products wherein a consumer communicates tastepreferences to a merchant, further wherein the merchant produces aunique product for the consumer.
 77. The customized food product ofclaim 76 wherein the consumer also communicates health preferences tothe merchant.
 78. The customized food product of claim 77 wherein thecustomized food product is designed using a Web based system.
 79. Thecustomized food product of claim 77 further comprising a customizednutrition and ingredient label shipped to the consumer together with thecustomized food product.
 80. The customized food product of claim 79wherein the food product is a breakfast cereal.
 81. The computerizedmethod of claim 15 wherein the advice further comprises: generating adatabase containing contents of known food products; collectinginformation from a consumer about personal eating habits; determining apersonalized profile for the consumer with the database; and based onthe personalized profile, dispensing advice to the consumer aboutnutrition and diet recommendations.
 82. The computerized method of claim81 wherein the personalized profile is a nutritional profile or healthprofile.
 83. The computerized method of claim 82 further comprising,based on the nutritional profile, creating and communicating acustomized diet plan.